December 2, 2011 by Catholic San Francisco

Archdiocese wins SF tax case, Page 3 Catholic san Francisco

(PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Lida Brown, left, used the services of the Catholic Worker Hospitality House and for the last year has been a volunteer. She is pictured with Eddison James, who is in charge of the night shift at the San Bruno center.

Catholic Worker House: 15 years of service to the poor By Dana Perrigan On a recent weekday Frank “Big Frank” Medrano was, as usual, up before dawn. His home: a Chevy van parked at a rest stop on Interstate 280. Beginning his weekday routine he climbed over the back seat into the front and drove off. His destination was a nearby place that is the closest thing he has to a real home: the Catholic Worker Hospitality House in San Bruno, on the grounds of St. Bruno Church. As Medrano clambered out of the van, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and frying bacon beckoned from an open doorway. “If it weren’t for this place, I don’t know what I would do,” Medrano said. Since he became homeless a couple of years ago, the 48-year-old former truck driver has been one of the regulars at the Catholic center, which started out as a mom and pop establishment founded in 1996 by Peter Stiehler and his wife, Kate Chatfield. The couple was recently honored when the city of San Bruno issued

a proclamation celebrating the organization’s 15 years of service to the poor. The San Bruno house is modeled after Catholic Worker sites created during the Great Depression. Independently operated, they form a national network of about 100 houses. Their mission, in accordance with Catholic social teaching, is to serve, feed, clothe and shelter the poor. There are two others in the Bay Area: one in Half Moon Bay and another in Redwood City. For Medrano the San Bruno house is the only place in town where he can shower, eat a hearty breakfast, and enjoy a sense of community among those, who, like himself, have fallen on hard times. A large, bearded man wearing a T-shirt with reggae icon Bob Marley’s portrait on it bearing the message “Struggle for Survival,” Medrano suffers from congestive heart failure and a host of other physical ailments. He gets around with the aid of a walker, and seems philosophical about the events that led to his homelessness -- loss of job due to an injury, disability, divorce and the loss of the house in which he and his family lived. Unemployed for the past five years, Medrano lives

‘There has been a new crowd – working-class folks who have lost jobs, lost resources, and they’re coming here for a meal occasionally to stretch their food budget.’ – Peter Stiehler off his monthly Social Security check. A good portion of that goes toward fueling and maintaining the van, which also serves as his home. Without the Catholic Worker Hospitality House, he said, things would be much worse. “I’m so grateful for that,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of people here. We’ve become friends.” When he’s not saddled with medical appointments, which is all too often these days, he likes to fish off the piers at Oyster Point or Pier 32. It’s peaceful, he said, and he doesn’t mind being alone. On the day he was interviewed he planned to take his son and daughter, ages 18 and 20 respectively, to the San Francisco Zoo. Eddison James, a volunteer in the house dining room, CATHOLIC WORKER, page 8

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION On the Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Prop. 8 appeal advances . . . . 7 Stem cell project closed . . . . 9 Juan Diego, model for laity. 15 Advent reflections. . . . . . . . 17

Catholics take new missal in stride ~ Page 11 ~ December 2, 2011

Pope calls for all-Africa ‘Year of Reconciliation’ ~ Page 12-13 ~

Archbishop’s Journal: Thanksgiving homily ~ Page 14 ~

ONE DOLLAR

Father Rolheiser . . . . . . . . . 18 Book review . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

www.catholic-sf.org VOLUME 13

•

No. 38

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

PHOTO BY PAUL TOTAH ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREPARATORY

On The Where You Live By Tom Burke Maria Contreras, a senior at Immaculate Conception Academy, was a recent guest on the Rosie O’Donnell program on The Oprah Winfrey Network. Maria, who was flown to Chicago with her dad, Jose, for the chat, spoke about the film, “Miss Representation,” which documents women being “misrepresented in the media and the impact of those messages on society,” ICA said. Maria was a contributor to the film, an experience that, she says, has focused Maria Contreras her on “empowering young women.” • Honored as Commended Students in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program are Junipero Serra High School seniors, Luke Longinotti, Nathan Zimmerer, Kevin Arms and Michael Glassmoyer, Jacob Goell, Sean-Patrick Zurcher, and Faraz Fatemi. Students from ITEC-Boisfleury School in France visited Serra in October. The 19 visitors stayed with school host families while here. During their stay, the students explored San Francisco, visited the beaches of Half Moon Bay and learned what it’s like to be a teenager in America, the school said. “This program encompasses the idea of service through the gift of hospitality,” said Serra French teacher Mary Dowden. “It’s an opportunity for our students to open their hearts and minds to new perspectives and to people from other cultures.” • Happy 68 years married to Rita and Warren Vogel members of Menlo Park’s St. Denis Parish for more than 40 of those years. Joining them to mark the occasion were their son, Scott, daughter-in-law Irene, grandsons Kenny, Jeffrey and Steven, and son, Randy, admissions director at Junipero Serra Rita and Warren Vogel High School in San Mateo. • Congrats to St. Thomas the Apostle School, St. Thomas More School, St. Mary School and Chinese Center, and St. Brigid School on earning a combined $7,000 in

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Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kelly was honored by the St. Thomas More Society at the Red Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church Oct. 27. Among those joining her at the liturgy for members of the legal profession were Gov. Jerry Brown and society president Adrian Driscoll.

a fundraising opportunity made available by Asian Week Magazine and the Asian Heritage Street Festival. The schools keep $2 for every $3 ticket they sell for the event. “We thank Asian Week for inviting all of our schools, both high school and elementary schools to participate and look forward to participating next year,” said Annette Brown, assistant superintendent of planning and finance for the Department of Catholic Schools of the archdiocese. • Sophomore students from San Francisco’s Stuart Hall High School recently enjoyed the hospitality of the Knights of St. Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola Nuova in North Beach. “Thank you so much for your generosity in taking the time to help me facilitate our visit last week,” school campus minister, Sergio Vasquez wrote to the knights, the arch-confraternity of men and women sharing their hearts and service at the Porziuncola, and knights founder Angela Alioto. “On a personal note, it was moving for me to entrust their care to the patronage of our dear Francesco.” Also remembering their recent visit to the tiny chapel was the women’s club of Sacred Heart Parish in Saratoga. “I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful tour yesterday,” wrote Lorraine Siadat, club president. “On our bus ride home the ladies could not stop talking about how much they enjoyed the spiritual journey. My friend, Evelyn Longo and I would like to become members of your Knights of Saint Francis. Please let us know how we can contribute our time and talents because your love for St. Francis is truly contagious!” The doors are wide open at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi and the Porziuncola Nuova. Capuchin Father Gregory Coiro, shrine rector, and the Knights of St. Francis of

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Assisi, are always happy to show you around. See Datebook for visiting hours at the sites as well as email addresses and websites for volunteering or joining the knights. On Dec. 3, the “Francesco Rocks Gift Shop” has its Holiday Boutique. • Please continue to watch Datebook for Advent opportunities including concerts and talks at parishes and schools. Don’t miss the holiday fairs either under Food and Fun. The list is a mile long – well almost. Take a break from what’s become Christmas and enjoy what is Christmas. I’m going to do my best to get to a few of the special events myself. • Email items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi – to burket@sfarchdiocese.org or mail them to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109. Include a follow-up phone number. Street is toll-free. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.

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December 2, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

Archdiocese wins SF transfer tax case after 3-year fight A Superior Court judge on Nov. 18 issued an opinion that would throw out an attempted multimillion-dollar “delinquent” tax bill imposed on the Archdiocese of San Francisco by San Francisco Assessor/Recorder, Phil Ting, after a more than three year legal fight. Judge Richard A. Kramer issued a 43-page “Tentative Statement of Decision” in favor of the archdiocese. A case management conference is scheduled Jan. 9, 2012. The archdiocese fought the attempt by Ting to impose transfer taxes on more than 200 parish and school properties involved in an internal reorganization by the archdiocese. The archdiocese maintained that the effort came despite the fact that the city’s documentary transfer tax ordinance applies only to property “sold” in San Francisco and specifically exempts internal reorganizations of this kind. The church also countered that state and federal law has long recognized that intrachurch reorganizations such as this are not transfers and are not subject to such taxes. Ting’s effort to collect the tax had been supported by the city’s Transfer Tax Review Board, consisting of three city employees, which concluded the archdiocese was not exempt from a transfer tax. In April 2010, the archdiocese filed suit against the city. In his ruling, Kramer ordered the board to set aside its finding and to issue another rejecting the determination by Ting that transfer taxes are due on the property transfers. Kramer agreed with the archdiocese’s central arguments: The transfers were not “realty sold,” and the transfers were a change in the form of ownership that did not make them subject to transfer tax. The Assessor/Recorder’s office acknowledged that it had never before levied such a tax, that no other county has ever done so and that it has never taxed similar transactions even by for-profit companies, the archdiocese said in a statement after the ruling. The archdiocese also noted that the proposed tax had the illegal effect of charging the archdiocese a fee to exercise its constitutional right to organize accord-

(CNS PHOTO/JOSEPH KOLB)

By George Raine

Pilgrimage for war-hero priest John Moore of Gallup, N.M., carries a wooden cross along a Santa Fe highway in late September in memory of Korean War hero Father Emil Kapaun. Beginning Sept. 11, Moore made a 630-mile pilgrimage from Santa Fe to Pilsen, Kan., arriving at Father Kapaun’s home parish Nov. 11.

ing to its religious needs. In view of his other findings, Kramer found that it was not necessary to address the constitutional argument. “The Archdiocese of San Francisco is delighted that the Superior Court has vindicated the position the archdiocese has taken all along,” said George Wesolek, director of communications for the archdiocese. “The land and buildings involved are all used to serve the nearly half-million families and children in the archdiocese’s parishes and schools and countless others,” he said, noting that the tax would have “had a crippling effect” on the parishes and schools. “It would have chilled the missions of this and all churches, religions and nonprofit organizations in the city, and would have sent ripples through the for-profit community as well,” Wesolek said. “Fortunately, the court saw through this attempt.” Wesolek continued, “The Assessor/Recorder apparently expected the archdiocese to roll over in the face of

this attack but underestimated the resolve of the church. It is unfortunate that the miscalculation forced the archdiocese to spend more than three years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees to defeat this illegal action, but the archdiocese is hopeful that the Assessor/Recorder’s office will now be dissuaded from taking similar measures in the future.” In his ruling, Kramer stated that each party may submit proposed revisions to the Tentative Statement of Decision. He added that they may not reargue the substance of the matters decided, but rather shall be limited to such things as the accuracy of citations to the administrative record. Ting told Catholic San Francisco, “The court has expressed only its tentative decision, and has set a hearing for Jan. 9 to hear further from both sides before reaching a final decision. The Assessor/Recorder’s Office of the City and County of San Francisco intends to take full advantage of that opportunity.”

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NEWS

December 2, 2011

in brief

Pope defends US church’s ‘honest efforts’ on abuse VATICAN CITY – In a speech to U.S. bishops, Pope Benedict XVI defended the church’s “honest efforts” to confront the priestly sex abuse scandal with transparency, and said its actions could help the rest of society respond to the problem. While the church is rightly held to high standards, all other institutions should be held to the same standards as they address the causes, extent and consequences of sexual abuse, which has become a “scourge” at every level of society, the pope said Nov. 26. On wider issues, including the institution of marriage, the pope encouraged the bishops to speak out “humbly yet insistently in defense of moral truth.” Responding to the challenges of a secularized culture will first require the “re-evangelization” of the church’s own members, he said. The pope made the remarks in a speech to bishops from the state of New York, who were in Rome for their “ad limina” visits. The group was led by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, who as president of the U.S. bishops’ conference has spoken of the need to restore the church’s credibility and its evangelizing capacity. The pope began his talk by recalling his 2008 visit to the United States, which he said was aimed at encouraging Catholics in the wake of the sex abuse crisis. He said he wanted to acknowledge the suffering inflicted on victims as well as the church’s efforts to ensure the safety of children and deal “appropriately and transparently with allegations” of abuse. “It is my hope that the church’s conscientious efforts to confront this reality will help the broader community to recognize the causes, true extent and devastating consequences of sexual abuse, and to respond effectively to this scourge which affects every level of society,” the pope said.

Rome caroling into Christmas VATICAN CITY –The Vatican is planning to sing its way into the Christmas season this year, with a chorus and orchestra leading Christmas carols at the annual unveiling of its Nativity scene. The hourlong evening ceremony Dec. 24 will feature traditional Christmas songs in several languages,

performed by a 100-person choir and orchestra in St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican is arranging for worldwide television broadcasts of the event, according to Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He described it as a “sung meditation” on Christmas. As usual, Pope Benedict XVI is expected to bless the gathering from his apartment window above the square.

Pro-life nurses sue hospital WASHINGTON – Confronted with what one called “a choice between our faith and our jobs,” 12 nurses are suing University Hospital in Newark, N.J., over a new policy requiring them to care for patients before and after abortions, even if they have religious or moral objections to abortion. The hospital, part of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, said that because “no nurse is compelled to have direct involvement in, and/or attendance in the room at the time of,” an abortion, its policy does not violate state or federal conscience protection laws. U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares issued a temporary restraining order Nov. 3 directing the hospital not to compel adherence to the new policy until after the case comes before his court Dec. 5. At a Nov. 14 news conference outside the hospital in Newark, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., joined the nurses and their attorneys in criticizing the new policy, which was announced in September. “In pursuit of an illegal and highly unethical policy to coerce its own nurses to participate in abortions including support activities such as pre- and post-procedure complicity in abortion, UMDNJ has not only imposed irreparable harm and suffering on its own nurses, but has willfully and recklessly put federal funding for the institution at risk,” Smith said.

states and the District of Columbia that do not have the death penalty. Of those 16, Illinois is the most recent one to abolish it, in 2011. His decision halts for now the planned execution of double-murderer Gary Haugen, who was set to die by lethal injection Dec. 6.

Oregon suspends death penalty

Orange buys Crystal Cathedral

PORTLAND, Ore. – Catholic and other opponents of the death penalty praised Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber for placing a moratorium on the use of the death penalty for the rest of his term. “Those of us who respect the dignity of human life from conception to natural death applaud this decision,” said Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny. “This is what we have been praying for and asking for,” said Ron Steiner, a member of Queen of Peace Parish in Salem and an organizer for Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Kitzhaber announced his decision Nov. 22, saying he regretted allowing two men to be executed during his first time in office in the 1990s. A Democrat, he was out of political life for eight years before being elected again in November 2010. His new term began in January and ends in January 2015. With the moratorium in place, Oregon joins 16 other

ORANGE – A bankruptcy court judge has ordered the sale of the Crystal Cathedral and its nearly 31-acre campus in Garden Grove to the Catholic Diocese of Orange for $57.5 million. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert N. Kwan’s Nov. 17 ruling confirmed a decision by the Crystal Cathedral Ministries board of directors to accept the diocese’s offer over a competing bid from Chapman University, which recently raised its offer to $59 million. The Crystal Cathedral, founded by the Rev. Robert H. Schuller and the site of his nationally broadcast “Hour of Power” TV program, will lease back the church and other buildings for up to three years. Designed by architect Philip Johnson and dedicated in 1980, the church will eventually become the cathedral for the Diocese of Orange, which is the nation’s 10th largest diocese in terms of Catholic population. – Catholic News Service

(CNS PHOTO/UMIT BEKTAS, REUTERS)

A U.S. Army soldier gives a high-five to an Afghan boy during a patrol in Pul-e Alam, a town in Logar province, central Afghanistan, Nov. 28.

CIRCLING THE BAY FOR MARY honoring Pope John Paul II Tota Pulchra ‘All Fair’ 2011 Christmas Concert of Marian Music In the three cathedrals around the Bay Elizabeth Campisi, Narrator Christine Watkins, Meditation ‘Meeting Mary’ Anna Maria Mendieta, Featured Harpist & “Exceptional Soloist”, Invited to play at all Papal events at World Youth Day.

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December 2, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

TORONTO (CNS) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fear has silenced the voice of Pakistani Christians since the political murder of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minorities minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, last spring, said the retired archbishop of Lahore, Pakistan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are very sad, very bitter. They said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If that happens to him what happens to us?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha said in mid-November. Bhattiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s killers remain at large. The convicted murderer of Salman Taseer, the former governor of Punjab, was greeted in court with rose petals and garlands. In an atmosphere of impunity for anyone who kills a Christian, educated Pakistani Christians are getting out of the country. Those who remain are keeping their heads down and their mouths shut, said Archbishop Saldanha. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In such a situation, minorities donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have much place. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no tolerance for other religions,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Either you convert or you leave. This is the choice.â&#x20AC;? Archbishop Saldanha moved to Toronto in early November, joining his extended family in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s east end, where he hopes to involve himself locally in parish ministry. He spoke to The Catholic Register, Canadian Catholic weekly, in mid-November. He said that in the more than 50 years since his priestly ordination, he has seen his country slide from corrupt oligarchy to military rule to mob rule. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything is a big mess there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; economically, socially, religiously,â&#x20AC;? he said. Waves of suicide bombings, targeted killings and death threats against Christians have human rights campaigners and staff for the Pakistani bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; justice and peace commission keeping their statements low-key and their names out of the papers.

(CNS PHOTO/ATHAR HUSSAIN, REUTERS)

Pakistani Christians silenced by fear, says retired archbishop

A supporter of the Sunni Ittehad Council is seen next to a poster of convicted killer Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri during a rally in late October in Karachi, Pakistan. A retired Catholic archbishop said that in an atmosphere of impunity for anyone who kills a Christian, educated Pakistani Christians are getting out of the country.

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Simbang Gabi Mass Dec. 3 A tradition in the Philippines, Simbang Gabi is a Christmas novena that begins Dec. 16 and ends Dec. 24. In the Archdiocese of San Francisco the fourth annual Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass, with Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice as main celebrant, and parol lighting ceremony will be held at St. Anne of the Sunset Church, 850 Judah St., San Francisco, Dec. 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. A morning of recollection, led by Oblate Father Jose Arong, will precede the Mass from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Contact Freda Motak, (415) 335-5606 or fredamotak@gmail.com; Nellie Hizon, (415) 699-7927 or nelliehizon@yahoo.com; or Estelle Oloresisimo, (415) 595-9248 or estelle.oloresisimo@gmail.com.

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Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

First Resort sues SF on ‘false advertising’ law First Resort pregnancy center filed a freedom of speech lawsuit Nov. 16 in U.S. District Court to void a San Francisco “false advertising” ordinance that targets pregnancy centers and exempts abortion providers. The legislation, approved in an 11-1 vote by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in October, was signed by Mayor Ed Lee Nov. 3. First Resort asked the court to declare the law void and issue a preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction blocking enforcement, which takes effect Dec. 4. The “False Advertising by Limited Services Pregnancy Centers” law is aimed at First Resort’s use of billboards in poor Latino and African-American neighborhoods and pay-per-click Google ads that bring up First Resort’s website in response to the search engine query “abortion.” “The combination of the vague requirements of the law and its intimidating enforcement provisions creates an impermissible chilling effect on free speech, in violation of the First Amendment,” First Resort said in a statement.

faith. The event includes free food, games, group activities and discussions, leading up to celebrating Mass with Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice. Marin Youth Day is sponsored by the Catholic parishes of Marin County. To sign up or for more information contact parish youth leader or Jonathan Lewis at OLMCMV@ gmail.com.

St. Francis Shrine events: Prayer group, concerts Dec. 3: Formation of a Padre Pio prayer group; Mass at 12:15 p.m., followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary and benediction, and a business meeting in the Shrine Hall. Dec. 10-11: Lord Nelson Mass performed by City Oratorio and Orchestra under the direction of Josh Law, 3:30 p.m, free. Dec. 18: Advent and Christmas carol concert, Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bell Ringers under the direction of Steven Meyer, 3 p.m. The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi is located at 610 Vallejo St. at Columbus Avenue in San Francisco. For more information, www.shrinesf.org.

(PHOTO COURTESY USF)

Marin County parishes St. Rita Advent speakers Wolves of Loyola “Los Lobos de Loyola,” a bronze by Mexican set Marin Youth Day artist Pancho Cardenas, was installed Nov. 17 on Kristin E. Heyer, Ph.D, associate professor of Confirmation candidates and all high-school youths are invited to the first ever Marin Youth Day, Dec. 11, 1-6 p.m., St. Vincent’s School for Boys, One St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael. Join hundreds of Catholic teens from Marin County in celebrating the Catholic

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the University of San Francisco campus in front of the Gleeson Library/Geschke Center. The 2-ton work represents the two wolves and stewpot depicted on the family coat of arms of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Some say the 15th-century image is a pun on the Loyola family name (“lobos y olla,” wolves and a stewpot); others suggest the pot is a symbol of hospitality and the wolves point to the family’s reputation as warriors, said USF spokeswoman Anne-Marie Devine.

Marian concerts at Bay Area cathedrals Concerts at the three Catholic cathedrals circling San Francisco Bay will honor the Blessed Mother during the Christmas season, in a series put together by a Catholic women’s group that takes its inspiration from Blessed John Paul II’s 1988 letter on the dignity of women. The concert series, “Circling the Bay for Mary: Tota Pulchra” will feature 1,700 years of songs honoring Mary, most composed by lay people from the fourth century to the present. The works include compositions by local artists and students at Santa Clara University, said Michele Coldiron, executive director of the California Catholic Women’s Forum. The songs will be in 10 languages composed by artists from nine countries. The concerts will be Dec. 18 at St. Mary’s Cathedral; Jan. 7 at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland; and Jan. 8 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose. For more information, totapulchra.net and ccwf.org.

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Ruling: Prop. 8 backers have right to appeal By George Raine The faith-based groups that sponsored Proposition 8, the state’s 2008 voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, have the right to appeal a federal judge’s 2010 ruling it is unconstitutional, the state high court concluded in a unanimous opinion issued Nov. 17. Catholics are among the backers of Prop. 8 who appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals the ruling that it discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation and gender. As the circuit court took up the issue, its judges needed to resolve a question: Do the backers of the proposition have the legal right to defend it in court when two elected officials, the former governor and the former attorney general, refused to do so? The appellate judges put the case on hold and asked the California Supreme Court to decide the matter. The ruling by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye is that “it is essential to the integrity of the initiative process … that there be someone to assert the state’s interests in an initiative’s validity on behalf of the people when the public officials who normally assert that interest decline to do so.” That was a victory for ProtectMarriage.com, the proponent in the case, and it allows the 9th Circuit now to resolve the critical question in the case – whether or not Prop. 8 is constitutional – although it is expected the U.S. Supreme Court will have the final word. Andy Pugno, general counsel of ProtectMarriage.com, said, “This ruling is a huge disaster for the homosexual marriage extremists. The court totally rejected their demands that their lawsuit to invalidate Proposition 8 should win by default with no defense. Their entire strategy relied on finding a biased judge and keeping the voters completely unrepresented. Today, that all crumbled before their eyes.” He added, “(The) decision is a critical step in our threeyear battle to uphold marriage between a man and a woman.” The California Catholic Conference, the office that speaks for the state’s bishops on legislative and social matters, said, “The CCC supports the decision of the voters of California to pass Prop. 8 in November 2008, thereby placing in our state’s constitution the definition of marriage as the union of a woman and a man. By their vote they recognized that marriage is good for children and best for our state.” Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye wrote, “Even though the official proponents of an initiative measure are not public officials the role they play in asserting the state’s interest in the validity of an initiative measure in this judicial setting does not threaten the democratic process or the proper governance of the state, but, on the contrary, serves to safeguard the unique elements and integrity of the initiative process.”

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What does it mean to be a thinking Catholic in the contemporary world? ^ƚĂƌƟŶŐ ŝŶ :ĂŶƵĂƌǇ͕ ƚŚĞ ƌĐŚĚŝŽĐĞƐĞ ŽĨ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ ŝƐ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ Ă ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ƚŽ ĂŶƐǁĞƌ ƚŚĂƚ ǀĞƌǇ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶ͘ ŶƟƚůĞĚ Forward in Faith, ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ǁŝůů ďƌŝŶŐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƚŚĞŽůŽŐŝĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŝůůƵŵŝŶĂƚĞ ĂƚŚŽůŝĐ ƚĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŽŶ ŚƌŝƐƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ŚƵƌĐŚ͕ ƚŚĞ ^ĂĐƌĂŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ŵŽƌĂů ůŝĨĞ͘ DĞĞƟŶŐ ǁĞĞŬůǇ ĨƌŽŵ ϳ͗ϬϬ Ɖŵ ƚŽ ϴ͗ϯϬ Ɖŵ ŝŶ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƌĐŚĚŝŽĐĞƐĞ͕ Forward in Faith: ŝƐ Ă ϮϬͲǁĞĞŬ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƐĞĞŬƐ ƚŽ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ĂŵŽŶŐ ĂƚŚŽůŝĐ ĂĚƵůƚƐ Ă ĚĞĞƉĞƌ ƐĞŶƐĞ ŽĨ ĨĂŝƚŚ ŝŶ 'ŽĚ ĂŶĚ ůŝĨĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚƵƌĐŚ͘ dŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƐĞŵĞƐƚĞƌ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƌƵŶƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ŽĨ :ĂŶƵĂƌǇ ϭϳ͕ ϮϬϭϮ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ŽĨ DĂƌĐŚ ϮϬ͕ ϮϬϭϮ͕ ǁŝůů ĚĞĂů ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƚŚĞŵĞƐ ŽĨ ĞŶĐŽƵŶƚĞƌŝŶŐ ŚƌŝƐƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ĐƌŝƉƚƵƌĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŝĚĞŶƟƚǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŚƵƌĐŚ͘ dŚĞ ƐĞĐŽŶĚ ƐĞŵĞƐƚĞƌ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁŝůů ƌƵŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ŽĨ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϰ͕ ϮϬϭϮ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϲ͕ ϮϬϭϮ͕ ǁŝůů ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽŶ ^ĂĐƌĂŵĞŶƚƐ ĂƐ ĂĐƟŽŶƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŚƵƌĐŚ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ŵŽƌĂů ůŝĨĞ͘

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zŽƵƌ ƉĂƌŝƐŚ ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺWůĞĂƐĞ ƐĞůĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ǁŚĞƌĞ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ĂƩĞŶĚ Forward in Faith: St. Bartholomew, ^ĂŶ DĂƚĞŽ͕ dƵĞƐĚĂǇƐ St. Anthony͕ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ dƵĞƐĚĂǇƐ St. Charles͕ ^ĂŶ ĂƌůŽƐ͕ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂǇƐ St. Cecilia͕ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂǇƐ Mater Dolorosa͕ ^ŽƵƚŚ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ dŚƵƌƐĚĂǇƐ St. Elizabeth͕ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ dƵĞƐĚĂǇƐ Our Lady of Mercy͕ ĂůǇ ŝƚǇ͕ dŚƵƌƐĚĂǇƐ Notre Dames des Victoires͕ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ dŚƵƌƐĚĂǇƐ St. Hilary͕ dŝďƵƌŽŶ͕ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂǇƐ St. Vincent de Paul͕ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ dŚƵƌƐĚĂǇƐ St. Isabella͕ ^ĂŶ ZĂĨĂĞů͕ dƵĞƐĚĂǇƐ Star of the Sea͕ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ͕ dŚƵƌƐĚĂǇƐ

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

(PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Volunteers help in the kitchen at the San Bruno Catholic Worker Hospitality House: Loira McShane Lukas, Connie Montemayor, Leo Jacques, Kristine Baker and Bob Lindeborg.

Catholic Worker . . . ■ Continued from cover asked Medrano to drop him off somewhere along the way. In addition to volunteering at the dining hall -- which is later transformed into an overnight homeless shelter for about nine people – James, 53, supervises the shelter three nights a week. “I’m here making amends for the bad things I did when I was under the influence of alcohol and other chemicals,” he said. “We help a lot of people. We help families. I get to give back.” While those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, the mentally ill and the chronically unemployed have always made up a certain percentage of the homeless population, said Stiehler, lately he has noticed more requests from families and other folks. “I hate to call them the ‘working poor,’” he said, “but there has been a new crowd. They’re working-class folks who have lost jobs, lost resources, and they’re coming

Pope: Economic crisis demands courage VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI said the global economic crisis demands the “courage of brotherhood” between the world’s rich and poor, and calls on the church to look at the causes of poverty. “Responding to the needy means not only giving bread to the hungry person, but also reflecting on the causes that led to his hunger, with the gaze of Jesus who knew how to see the deep reality of the people who came close to him,” the pope said, addressing officials of Caritas Italy Nov. 24 The church must look closely at the economic crisis and consequent flows of human migration, the North-South divide and the injury to human dignity suffered by many, he said. All of this “calls us to a charity that is able to widen, in concentric circles, from the small economic systems to the big ones,” he said.

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here for a meal occasionally to stretch their food budget. “But we’ve always focused on the poorest of the poor,” he said. “So even during the dot-com boom, we were busy.” Catholic Worker Hospitality House, which is funded primarily by small individual donations, along with a couple of annual fundraisers, has not noted a decline in donations during the past four years. “It’s almost embarrassing that we haven’t suffered,” said Stiehler. “This is a relatively poor parish, but they’ve been very generous.” What Stiehler is most proud of are the connections that have gradually spread from the house and the parish to the larger San Bruno community. Volunteers come from other churches, other faiths. “It’s really inspiring to see how many people do want to help,” Stiehler said. Judy Pena, who began volunteering 11 years ago, said she continues “because it hasn’t changed --- because the situation hasn’t changed. Because what attracted me to it all those years ago remains the same.” The Catholic Worker Hospitality House in San Bruno serves breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m., Tuesday through Friday. It reopens at 5 p.m. as a shelter.

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Biotech pioneer quits embryonic stem cell research By Valerie Schmalz The first company to receive federal approval to conduct clinical trials of human embryonic stem cells has abandoned the field, saying it would focus its resources instead on two promising cancer treatments. The Nov. 14 announcement by Menlo Park-based Geron Corp. that it was closing safety trials of a spinal paralysis treatment shows that, despite billions of dollars in government research investment, there remains little investor interest because there are still no results, Carol Hogan, California bishops’ spokeswoman, said. “You can’t make money off of experiments and trials that produce no results,” said Dana Cody, president and executive director of Life Legal Defense Foundation, a pro-life legal nonprofit, of the Geron decision. “That aside, it is unethical to experiment using nascent human life.” Geron helped pioneer the field more than two decades ago, financially backing University of Wisconsin’s James Thomson, one of the first to isolate human embryonic stem cells in 1998. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Geron’s application for the spinal paralysis trials in July 2010. Some experts in the field theorized that a factor in Geron’s retreat may be the eroding monetary value of Geron’s intellectual property rights with the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from adult stem cells

Tommy G. Thompson, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, speaks at a press conference on adult stem cell research at the Vatican Nov. 8. At left is Dr. Robin L. Smith, CEO of NeoStem, a U.S. biopharmaceutical company that has collaborated with the Vatican to promote the use of adult stem cells. Thompson said it makes sense politically and economically to support adult stem cell research.

and like embryonic stem cells can be coaxed to differentiate into any other cell type. Geron officials said that by shutting down its human embryonic stem cell program and eliminating 38 percent of its workforce or 66 positions, it could focus on two cancer treatments in clinical trials and avoid raising more capital. The company reported a net loss for the three quarters ending Sept. 30 of $65 million, but said it had $150 million still in hand. Advanced Cell Technology of Massachusetts is the only remaining company conducting clinical trials for a human embryonic stem cell therapy. Its two clinical trials to treat eye disease were approved by the FDA shortly after the agency granted final approval to Geron for its experiment in July 2010. ACT reported $13.9 million in cash

and equivalents at the end of its third quarter. Even though the FDA approval was to test the treatment’s safety not its effectiveness, Geron said at the time it hoped to show that human embryonic stem cells could be used “to achieve restoration of spinal cord function.” Geron’s withdrawal from the field was a blow for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, a stem cell research funding organization created by voters in 2004 when they passed the $3 billion bond issue Proposition 71. In May CIRM approved a $25 million loan to Geron for the trials. Geron repaid the $6.5 million it had borrowed. The California Stem Cell Report blog, a CIRM watchdog, reported that the Geron

Pope urges international pact on climate VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI urged international leaders to reach a credible agreement on climate change, keeping in mind the needs of the poor and of future generations. “I hope that all members of the international community can agree on a responsible, credible and supportive response to this worrisome and complex phenomenon, keeping in mind the needs of the poorest populations and of future generations,” the pope said at

his noon blessing at the Vatican Nov. 27, the day before officials from 194 countries were to begin meeting in Durban, South Africa, to discuss the next steps in reducing greenhouse gases and stopping global temperatures from rising. The goal of the talks organized by the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change is to cut greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2050 and prevent temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius.

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY 125th Anniversary Cookbook of Memories As food has always been a comfort to families who have experienced a loss, it seems only fitting that Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery would create a cookbook in honor of its 125th Anniversary. We would like to create a cookbook of memories – special recipes of your loved ones who are interred in Holy Cross. As the families we serve are from so many different cultures and backgrounds, our book should be a delicious mix of memories and interesting dishes to make. If your Grandmother, Mom, Dad or Great Uncle Sam made a special dish and is interred in Holy Cross, we hope that you will share that favorite recipe.

You may forward your recipe to the attention of Christine Stinson by email costinson@holycrosscemeteries.com, by mail to Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 940l4 or drop it off at our office (or All Saints Mausoleum on the weekends). Please include your loved one’s name, date of burial and grave location with the recipe. Also, please include your name and contact information.

We hope to have the cookbooks ready at the beginning of 2012 – our Anniversary Year. Proceeds of this cookbook will go to a special cemetery restoration fund allowing us to preserve our history and the stories of all who are interred here.

Thank you for sharing your recipes, stories and memories with us!

Catholic San Francisco

loan was approved despite a grade of 66 of 100 using a process that deviated from the one used to approve 433 previous projects. “The suspicion arises that CIRM, or some people within it, badly wanted the trial to proceed in the hope that it would give them a therapeutic success to boast about. If so, the decision just backfired,” wrote Pete Shanks at Biopolitical Times, of the Berkeley-based Center for Genetics and Society. Geron said it would continue to follow the five spinal cord injury patients to receive its GRNOPC1 treatment since October 2010, but would close the program, approved for up to 10 patients, to further enrollment. In the trial, “GRNOPC1 has been well tolerated with no serious adverse events,” Geron said in a statement. Geron was seeking buyers for its stem cell business. Archdiocese of San Francisco respect life coordinator Vicki Evans said the federal government may step into the void now. “President Obama’s 2009 executive order cleared the way for virtually unlimited federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research,” said Evans. ”The door is open to replacing companies like Geron with U.S. taxpayers.” The Catholic Church opposes embryonic stem cell research because a days-old human embryo is destroyed to use its cells. Science Insider quoted Roger Pederson of the University of Cambridge in England as saying Geron may be reacting to a possible weakening of its intellectual property portfolio, because of the newer field of induced pluripotent stem cells. “Advances in the stem cell field are disruptive innovations that have the potential to supersede earlier innovations, hES cells being one of those. I don’t know if Geron looks at it that way, but I do,” Pedersen told Science Insider.

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December 2, 2011

Catholic Charities CYO builds better futures for foster families By Gabrielle Slanina Gallagher

CCCYO’s Advent Season of Caring After living at St. Vincent’s for four years, Jeremiah moved to a new home environment with his foster parents Marie and Patrick and the support of St. Vincent’s Foster Family Agency – an intensive, community-based program providing a network of support services for children and their families. In the beginning of the transition, Jeremiah was apprehensive about trusting new people and becoming comfortable in a new environment. And for Marie and Patrick, this was their first opportunity to become foster parents. “Living at St. Vincent’s taught me to be a kid and also to take more responsibility. It has been one of the greatest moments in my life,” says Jeremiah. “It is easy to be afraid of the unknown, but when you get to know the outside world, it gets easier to take it one day at a time.” St. Vincent’s Foster Family Agency works with Jeremiah, Marie and Patrick to support them through their daily challenges. In addition to his normal routine of school and sports, Jeremiah’s schedule also includes meetings with his tutor, counselor or therapist so he can continue to balance his emotions as he grows in his new environment. His counselors and case managers guide the relationship with training, resources and advice. Jeremiah’s tutor helps him refocus his energy on his schoolwork and his therapist

(CNS PHOTO/HAZIR REKA, REUTERS)

For Jeremiah, most days begin much like they do for many other teenagers – waking up, going to school and participating in after-school sports. His hopes for the future include going to a college where he can be a student athlete. Jeremiah’s life today stands in stark contrast to where he was a few short years ago when his hope for the future was simply having a home. Seven years ago, at age 9, Jeremiah was referred to St. Vincent’s School for Boys. He had been living in an unstable household, was not attending school regularly and did not trust those around him. St. Vincent’s helped him work through raw feelings and emotions and he began to overcome significant educational hurdles.

New cathedral dedicated to Mother Teresa Men work on the roof of a tower at the construction site of The Cathedral of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata in Pristina, Kosovo, Nov. 19. The new cathedral will be the tallest building in the capital and large enough to hold 2,000 churchgoers. Mother Teresa was born into an ethnic Albanian family in Skopje, in present-day Macedonia.

helps him balance his emotions so he can build healthy relationships. He has lived with Marie and Patrick for over three years and the family says they are still learning as they go. “It really has become a team approach,” says Patrick. “This is a new experience for all of us, but when you are presented with something you’ve never learned before you have to confront a challenge. Together with the staff at St. Vincent’s, we are able to work through each day together.” And like many families, Jeremiah, Marie and Patrick all agree that their most valuable time is when they are talking and sharing with one another around the dinner table. “It is important that we always have dinner together,” says Marie. “It is the one time when we can all sit down together as a family.” The lessons and resources Jeremiah received from Catholic Charities CYO benefit him every day. He is now doing better in school, excelling at sports, and learning to give back to his community. Jeremiah also visits St.

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Vincent’s as a mentor for other boys and has become involved as a leader at Camp Unalayee, a wilderness camp in the Trinity Alps. Through his foster family, he has been given opportunities he never would have had elsewhere. Through Catholic Charities CYO, foster families frequently become “forever families,” staying in close contact with their foster children well into adulthood. St. Vincent’s Foster Family Agency works to place 30 special-needs children into foster families each year. The writer is communications officer for Catholic Charities CYO in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Jeremiah’s story is the first in a series from CCCYO’s Advent Season of Caring campaign. This holiday giving campaign shares intimate stories of the clients the organization serves and the ways in which their lives have been changed for the better, because of the agency’s work and supporters’ generosity. For ways to help, visit www.cccyo. org/seasonofcaring or call (415) 972-1291.

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Catholic San Francisco

By Valerie Schmalz The new “and with your spirit” mingled with the now former response “and also with you” as the new English translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, became the language of the Mass on the First Sunday of Advent. While the more literal translation of the Latin means a shift in cadence for the celebrant at Mass, most Massgoers at area churches took the change in stride, paying more attention than usual to the worship aids in the pews or reading carefully from new text cue cards. “It’s a little tricky. I’m used to the older one,” said Ignacio Palomaria outside San Francisco’s St. Patrick Church after the noon Mass at the downtown church. “It takes a little while to get used to it.” The change to “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof” from “Lord I am not worthy to receive you” in the Communion rite is the most awkward, said Palomaria. “It reminds me of my childhood. Many of the responses seem to come from what we used to say,” said Salesian Sister Celine Lomeli, who teaches middle school religion at Sts. Peter and Paul School in North Beach. For those who remember missals with English and Latin on facing pages, the return to “under my roof,” is somewhat like greeting an old friend again, Sister Celine said. The text now draws specifically from the Gospel story of the centurion who asks Jesus to heal his servant.

“I was talking about it with the kids. I am glad that it came back,” Sister Celine said. The last time Americans experienced a new translation of the missal was in 1973, with an updated version in 1975. In the year 2000, Blessed John Paul II promulgated a new Third Edition of the Roman Missal. The missal is always issued in Latin, the official language of the church, with each local version in a country’s language requiring Vatican approval. The third edition, which is used worldwide, contains prayers for the celebration of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the eucharistic prayers, additional Masses and prayers for various needs and intentions, as well as revised instructions for the celebration of the Mass. It took until this year for the English translation to be completed, published and introduced, because of specific challenges. The rules of translation into the vernacular, or language of the people, were issued by the Vatican in 2001 but not until 2007 did the Congregation for Divine Worship publish the instructions for translation into English. Then the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and bishops’ conferences in 11 countries worked with the translation in cooperation with the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Final approval came from Pope Benedict XVI. Rather than taking its rhythm from American English, the new English transla-

(PHOTOS BY VALERIE SCHMALZ/CSF)

New Mass language taken in stride by area Catholics

Edward and Nori Manalang

Sister Celine Lomeli

Ignacio Palomaria

tion follows the original Latin. In addition, many biblical and poetic images, such as “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof …” and “… from the rising of the sun to its setting” in Eucharistic Prayer III have been restored, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops notes on its website.

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The new translation is “beautiful,” said Geraldine Burns, a parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. “It’s not that much of a deal. It’s easy to memorize.” Visiting St. Patrick Church for noon Mass, Hayward couple Nori and Edward NEW MASS LANGUAGE, page 20

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Pope asks African Catholics to be ‘apostles of peace’ – It pledged the church’s continuing assistance to AIDS patients and the church’s support for affordable treatment. VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In a wide-ranging document But it said AIDS was an ethical as well as a medical problem, on the church’s future in Africa, Pope Benedict XVI urged requiring “change of behavior,” including sexual abstinence, Catholics to become “apostles of reconciliation, justice and rejection of sexual promiscuity and fidelity within marriage. – It said abortion, the “destruction of an innocent unborn peace” across the troubled continent. The key to the church’s mission in Africa, the pope said, is child,” is against God’s will, and it encouraged Africans to be wary of confusing for all Catholics to know language in international the faith and the church’s documents on women’s social doctrine well, then reproductive health that witness it in daily life. goes against the church’s The document, teaching. called an apostolic – It urged Africans to exhortation, explored continue to protect the the themes treated by institutions of marriage the 2009 Synod of and the family and to Bishops for Africa. maintain their traditional Titled “Africae Munus” respect for the elderly. (“The Commitment of “This beautiful Africa”), the 138-page African appreciation for text offered what it called old age should inspire “guidelines for mission” Western societies to treat in virtually every pasthe elderly with greater toral area, including dignity,” it said. the sacraments, social – The document said justice and interreligious the church must be presdialogue. ent wherever human The pope signed suffering exists and the document Nov. 19 “make heard the silent during a ceremony in cry of the innocent who Ouidah, Benin, a slave suffer persecution, or trade city on the Atlantic of peoples whose govcoast. He was making a ernments mortgage the three-day visit to Benin, present and the future where he met with bishfor personal interests.” ops from the African – It said African continent. countries rightly expect The document said outside assistance in Africa, like the rest of dealing with their probthe world, was experilems, but at the same encing a culture shock time must themselves that strikes at traditional implement political, values and ways of life. Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves the cathedral in social and administraBut faced with this “criCotonou, Benin, Nov. 18. tive justice at home. sis of faith and hope,” – On the issue of it said, Africa has the ecology, the document ability to be a spiritual inspiration because of the human and religious resources said private business and government groups have enriched themselves by exploiting resources in a way that causes polof its peoples. The pope said the church should lead the way, promoting lution and desertification, putting countless species at risk respect for human dignity and life at every stage, fighting and threatening the entire ecosystem. “The plundering of the goods of the earth by a minority against economic imbalance and environmental degradation, providing health care to those with AIDS and other diseases, to the detriment of entire peoples is unacceptable, because educating the young and reconciling human hearts in places it is immoral,” it said. – The document said Catholic relations with Muslims were of ethnic tension. These actions are the heart of the church’s evangelizing a mixed picture across Africa; in some countries, members of efforts, which include witness, words and service, and which the two faiths get along well, while in others Christians are must be based on the personal encounter with Christ, he said. treated like “second-class citizens.” It asked church leaders to One specific proposal in the document was for a continent- work through patient dialogue with Muslims toward juridical wide “Year of Reconciliation” to beg God ‘s forgiveness for and practical recognition of religious freedom. – It warned that witchcraft is enjoying a revival in Africa, “all the evils and injuries mutually inflicted in Africa” and for the reconciliation of people who have been hurt in the in part because of people’s anxiety over health, the future and the environment. It asked bishops to face the challenge of church and in society. Two separate sections of the document addressed men and Christians who have a “dual affiliation” to Christianity and women, in language that reflected the synod’s concerns over traditional African religions. The church must clearly reject any “magical elements,” which cause division and ruin for discrimination against women in many African countries. Women and girls have fewer opportunities than men and families, it said. – It called on African bishops to find a correct response boys in Africa, and their dignity and essential contributions to the family and society are often unappreciated, the pope to the growing popularity of African independent churches, said. Too many ancestral practices debase and degrade which have adopted elements of traditional African culture. It distinguished between those churches and religious sects, women, he added. “Unfortunately, the evolution of ways of thinking in this which it said were leading people of good faith astray. The area is much too slow. The church has the duty to contribute church needs to study this phenomenon in order to “stem the to the recognition and the liberation of women, following hemorrhage of the faithful from the parishes to the sects,” the example of Christ’s own esteem for them,” he said. He it said. – It denounced the “intolerable treatment” of many chilcalled women the “backbone” of local church communities dren in Africa, who are subjected to forced labor, trafficking in Africa. The document reminded men to be faithful to their wives and various forms of discrimination. “The church is mother and to make a real contribution to the upbringing of their and could never abandon a single one of them,” it said. – The document decried the rising crime rate in urban children. In an apparent reference to polygamy, it urged men to reject traditional practices that are “contrary to the Gospel areas of Africa, but also said prisoners are frequently mistreated. It said society’s leaders need to “make every effort to and oppressive to women in particular.” The document touched on many other issues raised at eliminate the death penalty” and to reform the penal system so that prisoners’ human dignity is respected. the 2009 synod:

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

By John Thavis

Pope Benedict XVI is surrounded by children dancing and singing as he arrives during his visit to St. Rita church in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 19.

A man reacts after seeing Pope Benedict XVI leave the cathedral in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 18.

A man prays as Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at the stadium in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 20.

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

(CNS PHOTO/FOLABI SOTUNDE, REUTERS)

(CNS PHOTO/ALESSIA GIULIANI, CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO)

(CNS PHOTO/FOLABI SOTUNDE, REUTERS)

Pope Benedict XVI greets children at the Peace and Joy Center of the Missionaries of Charity at St. Rita parish in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 19.

Women hold crosses as they dance before Pope Benedict XVI’s arrival at the Peace and Joy Center of the Missionaries of Charity at St. Rita Parish in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 19.

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

Quiet epiphanies of a San Quentin literacy volunteer By Daniel Costello I thought to myself: “It is just another day at the beach.” You know, you get out of your car, walk up to a prison gate, clear the security checks and start teaching convicts – piece of cake. After all, I surmised, I had my volunteer whistle around my neck for security, my mentor’s reassurance that this was a worthy cause and that I’d make a difference. So, I sucked it up, propelled my body forward and followed my volunteer group leader like a puppy into “Great,” I replied, doing my best to impersonate a calm San Quentin State Prison. person. “I’m your guy.” On my first day of tutoring I had my doubts: Would Since that first night I have come to know many my students like me? Could I remember basic algebra? interesting and diverse people. Bill was right at the top How were these guys from the street going to relate to of the list. A very successful painter on the outside, Bill this novice teacher from the suburbs? What did that “no had a history of taking speed and making bad decisions. hostage” policy really mean At age 43, he let us in on in the context of the next one of his well-guarded two hours of my life? secrets – he could not read. Pushing those thoughts When he finished with ‘I love Well, “it took a village” of aside, I walked up to my volunteers to help Bill see first student and asked: you mama,’ we were all quite the shining light of literacy. “What are you working It culminated one night on?” when he charged into our After what seemed like blown away. classroom, yelling, “Hey, an eternity, the man slowly fellas, can I read you a letturned his head, met my ter I wrote to my mama?” eyes, and said, “Sounds. I We were all dumbfounded, am working on sounds.” for this was truly an amazing moment. Not only did he “Sounds?” I asked, my voice rising an octave as I write his first letter ever, he wanted to share it with all noticed the student weighed at least 260 pounds and could of us. I felt like I had a front row seat into his soul as his probably crush me like a toothpick. words poured off his pages. When he finished with “I “Yeah. I am working on sounds. I am trying to learn love you mama,” we were all quite blown away. I have how to read.” been given many gifts in my life, but celebrating Bill’s

(ILLUSTRATION BY LANCE JACKSON/CSF)

breakthrough has to be right there at the top of the list. Another guy who had a big impact on me was an inmate named Walter. Sixty years old, tattooed, and possessing a grip-of-steel handshake, Walter was a “lifer” for a murder he committed in his 20s. While I didn’t know much about murder or crimes of passion, I did know a thing or two about how to cure his writer’s block. We kicked around his writing assignment for his victims of crime class, and I told him to just write down his feelings not worrying about what came out. Well, those feelings were stuck pretty deep inside him – a lifetime’s worth to be exact – and once the first one showed up, there was a flood of more feelings right behind it. When he got around to writing about his victim, this is what he had to say: “I felt extremely bad about the pain I caused the victim and his family and I realized that I had no right to do what I did. Spiritually I had come to terms with God for what I had done, and the sense of loss I caused everyone. I feel I had to ask God for forgiveness, and it has taken me 26 years to come to terms to realize that no man has a right to take the life of another human being. I wish I could get out to the victim’s family and look into their eyes and say from the bottom of my heart I am sorry for taking away their son, their brother, a life ... I wish with all my heart that I could bring him back.” Walter’s words challenged me to look at my own shadows around forgiveness and reconciliation and I smiled inside knowing that, once again, the student was teaching the teacher. After eight years of working with these men, I have realized that being a good listener is every bit as important as knowing how to solve algebraic expressions. I know that improved reading comprehension goes hand in hand with helping a student see hope in his future. And I have discovered the magic of knowing that anything is possible when someone believes in you. Daniel Costello is a volunteer in the Free To Succeed program, which tutors inmates to get their GED degrees. He lives in San Rafael and is a member of St. Anselm Parish in Ross. For more information on the literacy program, visit http://freetosucceedliteracy.com/

Archbishop’s Journal

Thankful hearts, beauty for all Archbishop George Niederauer delivered this hom- of crystal: If it is genuine, it rings. We may claim that ily Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. a glass is as lovely as crystal, that it shines like crystal, We hear the theme for today’s celebration in our but if it doesn’t “ring true,” it is ordinary glass. That is first reading: “Bless the God of all, who has done true of thankfulness. The only “true ring” of gratitude wondrous things on the earth!” God, who, the author is … generosity. We are grateful if we give, if we share says, “fosters our growth in our mothers’ wombs,” calls what God has given us – that is, everything. to us across more than 2,000 years. He reinforces our It isn’t enough to recite a perfunctory “thanks” to resolve to protect human life at all its stages, as our God and then get right on with a life centered in self. faith urgently calls us to do. God doesn’t want our thank you notes, he wants our We are grateful for all the gifts God has given, very selves, surrendered to his transforming love. How and certainly this nation and its freedom and prosper- do we do that? St. Paul tells us: “… clothe yourselves in ity figure greatly in our thankfulness. With those first heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness and American thanks-givers patience. Bear with one more than 390 years another; … Forgive as ago, we know that all the Lord has forgiven of us owe our very exis- Perhaps our most common daily enemy you. Over all these virtence, our very lives, to tues put on love, which our Creator God, and in our effort to live the grateful, binds the rest together that all life comes from … Christ’s peace must his loving care. generous life is the temptation to take reign in your hearts … We are most grateDedicate yourselves to ful of all for the human one another for granted. thankfulness.” gifts God has given us, All those virtues the gifts he gives us in Paul lists are relational, and through each other. mercy most especially Parents and children, husbands and wives, brothers so. We are to be concerned in all seasons about those and sisters, grandparents and grandchildren, friends, who do not have jobs, shelter, or enough to eat. On are grateful to God for one another, grateful to God last evening’s news there was a feature item, entitled for loving each of them, in part, through one another. “Making a Difference.” The story took place in the If we are centered in ourselves, if we automatically Midwest. A farmer whose wife is fighting breast cancer take for granted everything good that comes our way, was facing an enormous challenge harvesting his crops and give ourselves credit for all blessings, then we will this year. His neighbors heard about his plight by word respond like those nine lepers in our Gospel reading for of mouth, and on a given day, 100 of them showed up today. If we realize that blessings come ultimately from to harvest in a single day what would have taken the God’s love, we will turn back, like the tenth leper – the farmer a month to do on his own. An interviewer asked Samaritan – and give thanks. one of the neighbors whether he expected some reward In our second reading we hear St. Paul tell us that or recognition for what he had done. The answer: we are all God’s chosen ones – a startling statement “Absolutely not!” for Gentiles and Jews alike who read that letter to Perhaps our most common daily enemy in our the Colossians for the first time. Now it is up to us to effort to live the grateful, generous life is the temptarecognize and implement that truth all over again in tion to take one another for granted. There’s a scene our own day, within our communities and within our in Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” which helps me to church – not one people or nation or citizenry only, but imagine what God might often make of our treatment of all are loved by God, and called to love and accept and each other. It is evening in a small New England town, support each other. about 100 years ago. A father is alone with his teenage Thankfulness calls us to action; gratitude is not son, to whom he says the following, very quietly and gratuitous, not cost-free. There is a test which truly gently: “Well, George, while I was in my office today I thankful people pass, and the thankless do not. Think heard a funny sound. What do you think it was? It was

your mother chopping wood. There you see your mother – getting up early; cooking meals all day long; washing and ironing; and still she has to go out in the back yard and chop wood. I supArchbishop pose she just got tired George of asking you. And you eat her meals, and Niederauer put on the clothes she keeps nice for you, and you run off and play baseball – like she’s some kind of hired girl we keep around the house but don’t like very much. [Here there is a long pause.] I knew all I had to do was call your attention to it. Here’s a handkerchief, son.” Jesus has left all of us in each other’s charge in the kingdom on earth, and he tells us: “You are loved, trusted, and entrusted with one another, responsible for yourselves and each other, for the kingdom, the church, the world around you.” And then Jesus comes to us in the talkative people and the uncommunicative ones, in the boring, the gossipy, the angry, the lonely, the depressed, the homeless, the unreasonable. And it is our challenge to open to them our minds, our attention, our hearts, our purses and our wallets, and our energies. With Thornton Wilder’s dialogue in mind, we might hear God our Father saying something like this to us worshippers here this Thanksgiving morning: “I listened recently and heard something I didn’t like to hear. I’ve seen and heard it before many times. I saw your sisters and brothers in need of you. Some of my son’s people went without what they needed. Dealing with those needs was, in part, your job. But Jesus had to find other means for them or no means at all. Jesus teaches you with his word, gives you his life, feeds you with his body and blood at the altar, listens to your prayers, forgives your sins. He’s your servant and your brother, but he’s also your redeemer, your master and your judge.” God does not want our guilty feelings; instead, he wants our love in action. So, like the father in “Our Town” he adds, ever so gently, “I knew I’d only have to mention it to you.” Let us prove that to be true, with our thankful, generous lives.

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

Juan Diego: Icon of Marian evangelizing, model for the laity The church celebrates the feast of St. Juan Diego Dec. 9. The canonization of St. Juan Diego by Pope John Paul II in 2002 elicited worldwide enthusiasm for the recognition of another Christ-like lay person. This latest saint of Mexico was the Virgin Mary’s chosen messenger of evangelization in the nascent church of the l6th-century New World. He is an illustrious example of a Christian in action. The contemporary significance of the canonization and the occurrence at Guadalupe is multifaceted. But the implication for the new evangelization in our day is overwhelming. The honor bestowed on St. Juan Diego extends the clarion call addressed to all Christians to respond actively to their baptismal vocation and consecration to collaborate with Mary in bringing Christ to all peoples. The occasion has renewed and increased the momentum of the movement to designate Juan Diego as the patron saint of the laity and lay apostles. God’s plan for salvation needs the cooperation of us all. In the Guadalupe event, God chose to give the miraculous image of Mary, his mother and ours, to a humble, lonely widower. The simple story of Our Lady giving her picture to Juan Diego touches hearts and disposes them for the grace of baptism. This is a special chapter in the evangelization of the world. Today we find stirrings of new interest in the unchurched, the alienated and the disenchanted. Faster travel and easier global communication portend a new fullness of time in spreading the Gospel. Since the beginning, God has depended on his creatures to fulfill his plan. Today there is a desire for unity among Christians. The work of the Holy Spirit is uniting them in prayer, love and works of charity. Our times need strong and dedicated Christian lay persons more than ever. All fields of human progress are directed by the laity and only they can bring the spirit of the Gospel into these arenas. In the words of Paul VI, laypersons are “the bridge to the modern world.” Recognizing the ancient truth and the new need, Vatican II issued an official decree on the apostolate of the laity. For the first time in the history of the church a conciliar document expounded the concept that the layperson is indispensable to the mission of the church, that to be a real Christian is to be an apostle. It is appropriate that the model for the laity and the patron of the lay apostolate be one who will lead others to Mary, who in turn will lead them to Christ. She is the perfect example of life on earth united to Christ and joined to his work. To choose Juan Diego would stress the motherly concern of Mary, and highlight a special chapter in the loving care of Mary for her children. Juan Diego’s life story exemplifies the meaning of the lay apostolate. He leads with singular and irresistible charm to our spiritual mother. The Holy Spirit usually breathes in less dramatic ways. But the experience of Juan Diego shows that the inspirational grace for a great work may first come to a layperson, and that the

(CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF STEPHEN B WHATLEY) (CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF STEPHEN B WHATLEY)

By Brother John M. Samaha, SM

Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast is Dec. 12, is depicted by London expressionist painter Stephen B Whatley.

chosen person then cooperates with the competent authorities. Juan Diego’s humble compliance with an unwelcome and embarrassing mission paved the way for an abundant bestowal of God’s blessings. In addition, the event clearly indicates that a layman pushed his point with a hierarch. The bishop needed convincing, and Mary told Juan to go back and try again. Mary clearly indicated to Juan Diego that he was necessary for the execution of heaven’s plan. When he protested his inability and urged Mary to send a person better known and respected, she charged Juan Diego, the “least of my sons,” with delivering her message and fulfilling her will.

Article disrespectful

Unitive and procreative

Your Nov. 4 article on the Catholic Church in the Philippines (“In Philippines, church leads population vs. poverty debate”) was very disappointing. Since 1994, population control groups and pro-abortion groups have spent hundreds of millions trying to change the pro-life and pro-Catholic Church culture in the Philippines. Their ideas are nothing new: Eliminate poverty by people not existing. The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks on the authentic Catholic teaching on contraception. Nowhere in the article is this teaching respected. Theodore Kirk San Francisco

Oops. Father John Catoir made many good points in his column about sex and the Trinity (Nov. 11), which indeed can be seen as a “furnace of love.” But he misstated the teachings of the church, and perpetuated a common misunderstanding, when he said, “The very purpose of sex is procreation.” Where would that leave those who by nature are infertile? Or sex during the times of the month when it would be impossible to conceive? Or sex between spouses in their later years? Do those married acts then have no purpose? Rather, the church teaches that sex in marriage has two beautiful and powerful purposes, like the sides of a coin – unitive and procreative or “bonding and babies.” Both dimensions of the marital act are bound to each other and should not be separated since together they image Trinitarian love. Unitive is where the couple bonds in love with each other through their intimacy, and wounds are healed, commitments are renewed, and their love is strengthened. Procreative is their mutual openness to the life that may spring forth from their love, thereby imaging the Trinity more fully. Rose Sweet San Anselmo

Poignant, inspiring Brian Cahill really speaks to me. His guest commentaries on his son John’s suicide, his interaction with the prisoners and now his appeal for emphasizing our church’s strengths are poignant and inspiring. Especially because of writers like Mr. Cahill, Father Rolheiser, and, of course, letters to the editor including Peter Mandell’s recent contributions, I find myself eager for your paper’s arrival. Pat McCue San Francisco Email letters to: delvecchior@sfarchdiocese.org

Change, but evangelize I have been reading many comments on the Mass changes that will take place on the First Sunday of Advent. I do not fully understand the reasoning for the

The importance of the most humble person carrying out the divine plan can hardly be more sharply exemplified. Mary did not go directly to Bishop-elect Juan Zumarraga, nor did she choose the messenger most suited according to the judgment of human standards. Mary chose an unknown, middle-aged widower who would have preferred to be left alone. She told him that he was to be the instrument of divine providence for these poor people. This unlikely layman was the key to “unlocking graces destined for a nation,” and later for many nations. Marianist Brother John Samaha lives in Cupertino.

changes but am open to all we are asked to do. My questions are: How many parishioners will return to Mass because of these changes? If our young people are not going to church, how will the changes reach them? One suggestion I would like to offer. Have our parishes set up visiting teams and have them visit the missing parishioners and ask why they no longer attend Mass? Ask them what the parish could do to bring them home? I may be naive but there must be more that we as church can do to reach out to our missing brothers and sisters. Agnes DePatta San Rafael

Bishop William Lori’s remarks to the U.S. House of Representatives seem curiously upside-down. The bishop’s idea of “religious liberty” means that civil laws must align with the doctrine of the Catholic Church. The opposite is actually true: Recent changes in laws free citizens to exercise moral choices and follow their own conscience when making decisions on topics like contraception, HIV prevention and same-sex marriage. I strongly support religious liberty – I support de-coupling civil laws from church teachings, encouraging each of us to make thoughtful decisions and follow the leadings of our consciences. John Sedlander San Francisco

L E T T E R S

Condemning corrupt sex As noted in the Nov. 22 Catholic San Francisco a policy adviser working for the U.S. bishops, Daniel Avila, resigned after suggesting that “same-sex attraction could be the work of the devil.” Avila is absolutely right in his opinion. What better way to destroy the Catholic Church. Corrupt sex is just the ticket – to hell. Laurette Elsberry Sacramento

On religious liberty Re “Bishop addresses ‘grave threats to religious liberty,’” Nov. 4:

Reader’s gratitude Welcome back, Archbishop George Niederauer – our good shepherd. I miss your journal. May I propose on Page 16 of CSF, after Sunday Scriptures, your “Homily for Life” followed by Father Ron Rolheiser’s “Spirituality for Life”? I thank CSF for articles that nourish my soul toward eternal life, not only on local news but also on world news. Rose M. Jardin San Bruno

Catholic San Francisco

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH IS 40:1-5, 9-11 Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Go up on to a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care. RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14 Lord, let us see your kindness, and

December 2, 2011 of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.

Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 grant us your salvation. I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER 2 PT 3:8-14 Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out. Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because

while back a newspaper carried a story that was both sad and humorous. It involved President Reagan and a teenage boy named Russell McCuen, who lived in Houston, Texas. Russell was very sick with bone cancer and his plight had come to the attention of the president, who called the boy to offer encouragement. But while they were talking, another call came in and the teenager put the president on hold to answer the other line. Can you imagine the teenager saying, “I am sorry Mr. President, but I have another call. Could you hold, please?” The president of the United States finds himself waiting for a teenager. Most of us have had the experience of being put on hold, and it’s not a joyful moment. Our Scripture readings portray a similar waiting, that of the Israelites in bondage in Babylon and longing for deliverance. The prophet assured them that God had not forgotten his people and that he would intervene on their behalf. But the prophet did not say when God was coming. He simply delivered the promise and then said in effect, “Would you hold, please?” So the people waited. Our Gospel reading continues the theme, several centuries later. The Israelites were back in the land of Judea but they were not free. Their homeland had been conquered by

Scripture reflection DEACON FAIVA PO’OI

Prepare without delay the Romans, and once more they longed for deliverance. There appeared in the desert a rugged prophet, named John, echoing those familiar words from the scroll of Isaiah: “Make ready the way of the Lord, make straight his path.” Some thought that he was the promised Messiah. But John said, “One more powerful than I is to come after me.” John’s message ends with that same implied question: “Would you hold, please?” And once more the people waited. We know that this time they did not have

long to wait: The Messiah did come. But most of the people did not recognize him. They wanted a military leader with a sword in hand to free them but instead received a Galilean carpenter with love and forgiveness in his heart. So most of the people did not believe in him; they turned their backs and walked away. A few believed and followed, sure that they had found their Messiah. But even for them, the waiting was not over. In the second reading, Peter says, “We await new heavens and earth where the justice

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK MK 1:1-8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

of God will reside.” The ancient Jews waited for that, the early Christians waited and we are still waiting today. Like the ancient Jews and the early Christians, we await some grand and glorious fulfillment. But life keeps on saying, “Would you hold, please?” I am certain that if we are to ever really live, we must do so now and not wait for it to happen out there in the future. In the Gospel, we are admonished to prepare the “way of the Lord.” What is this “way of the Lord?” The second reading tells us it is the life of “holiness and devotion.” The Gospel tells us as a life of “repentance” and “forgiveness.” And the first reading proclaims it to be a life of hearing the “glad tidings” of God’s salvation and proclaiming this “good news” to the world. This is the way John the Baptist lived; this is the way of life into which we were baptized with the Holy Spirit. In this second Sunday of Advent, all three readings tell us that if our lives are not what they should be, then we should act. If we place our works ahead of our families, our success ahead of our personal relationship with God and neighbor, then the readings invite us to correct this situation – today. Deacon Faiva Po’oi serves at St. Timothy Parish in San Mateo.

Spirituality for Today

Coping with liturgical change You have every right to complain about the changes in the liturgy. Change always produces anxiety but generally is not dangerous. Try to calm down; we can get through this without a crisis. Keep in mind a few simple things: – You have chosen to be a Catholic in order to receive the Eucharist on a regular basis. – You know very well that the church is not a democracy. (The truth is that all organizations have a pope figure, even Protestant churches.) – You may want the Catholic Church to be more democratic, but don’t hold your breath. If you seriously want to have a democratic church, you just might have to start your own. But be aware that you might have difficulty getting everyone to agree on your rules. – Those who are searching for a “perfect” church also have to understand that, once they join it, it no longer will be perfect! The best thing to do, if you’re seriously annoyed with the changes, is to blame Pope Benedict XVI. On second thought, he was elected by the bishops of the world to carry forward Blessed John Paul II’s vision. Liturgical purity was one of Blessed John Paul’s top

priorities. He spoke 12 languages fluently and discovered in his travels through many countries that their vernacular translations for the liturgy had departed from the essential meaning of the original texts. For instance, when a church document says that the Father and the Son are related in a “consubstantial union,” it is to uphold the doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ. But when translations began appearing that indicated only a very close union existing between them, there is room for interpreting the relationship as some kind of brotherhood. Pope John Paul II wanted a much more precise translation to convey the truth that Jesus Christ is true God and true man. As pope, it was Blessed John Paul’s right and his duty to change all translations to read “consubstantial.” Pope Benedict XVI agreed with him entirely. He had been an obedient servant to Blessed John Paul throughout the 26 years of his papacy. Both of them decided that the purity of the faith demanded a more precise translation. Greater understanding will help us get through this period of change. What upsets some people is their belief that the translation puts too much emphasis on guilt. I’ve received a few letters from scrupulous readers who are disturbed

by the words “Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” These words are part of the old prayer, the Confiteor (which means “I confess”). Scrupulous people seem to fear that Father God hasn’t forgiven John Catoir them their past sins, even though they have all been confessed. Of course, we all know that no translation can be written to accommodate every single individual, but, thank God, we can still use the simple words: “Lord, have mercy.” Mercy is just another name for “love” as it confronts a humble, penitential spirit. We all need mercy. Be at peace and know that all will be well. Father Catoir’s column is carried by Catholic News Service.

December 2, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

Guest Commentary For Catholics and some other Christians, Advent affords us the opportunity to exercise the virtue of patience. We celebrate An Advent homily that often comes back to me during the coming of Jesus at his birth and the fact that he will come this time of the church year is delivered by a priest who again, but we also celebrate the many ways he comes to us in shared what he was doing for Advent to help him appre- our daily lives. Like the Hebrew people, it takes patient waiting ciate the true meaning of the season. For that Advent he and a quiet spirit to discover his presence in our daily lives would slow down and stop at every yellow light and wait and in other people and events. Now more than ever we need patiently for it to turn green. This little exercise would to eke out those quiet times. Without patience and willingness hopefully remind him of the people of God who waited to wait, we may miss his presence in our lives. so long for the Messiah to come and save them. When we are constantly in a hurry we miss the beauty of Advent is always a good nature or the twinkle in the time for me to reflect upon eye of a child. When we rush the virtue of patience and how When we are constantly in a hurry from one activity to another much I need to exercise it in we may not see the people my often hectic life. around us that silently cry Like many people in our we miss the beauty of nature or the out for our attention and society, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take natuassistance. When we are too rally to waiting. Our culture twinkle in the eye of a child. busy to pray or just be with promotes instant results. the Lord we miss the deep Commercials tell us we can peace and sense of security lose 10 pounds in 10 days if we do such and such. We often and trust that comes with a close relationship with our God. gobble down our meals or eat them on the run so we can work Yes, Christmas is coming but so does God come every day on our next activity. We take medicines that promise quick in people and events. Let us strive to slow down so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t relief from whatever ails us and rush to the express checkout miss the one who loves and saves us. Say a little prayer the lanes in the grocery store. We upgrade our computers so they next time you wait for the light to turn green or are in a long go faster and faster. Slow traffic and slow people tend to line while shopping for Christmas. Take time to remember the frustrate us. Even God often does not answer our prayers on gift of life in Jesus that God has given to each of us. our timeline. It boils down to the fact that many of us just do Holy Cross Sister Margie Lavonis is a not like to wait too long for anything or anybody. We want to see results right away. freelance writer from Notre Dame, Ind.

(CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ)

Time to remember Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift of life By Sister Margie Lavonis

Enter in silence: An Advent prayer By Father Vito Perrone Be still for a moment. Enter into silence. Turn off the noise. As a Russian mystic once said, this is all important for prayer, meditation and deep contemplation. For the listening soul needs stillness and silence in order to hear the sweet whispers of the Lord. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enter into this Advent meditation by listening to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word in the Scriptures, which tells us to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be still and know Godâ&#x20AC;? (Psalm 46). In our still and silent Advent meditation we pray: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come, light of the world, come.â&#x20AC;? He will hear your prayer. Since it is the Advent season, it is dark and cold outside. Yet on the inside our hearts can be melting, filling with warmth, because the son is drawing nearer to us each Advent day, hour, minute. How do we prepare? We watch and pray, give alms and fast a little, too. We remember: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We belong neither to darkness nor to night; no we are children of the light and of the dayâ&#x20AC;? (1 Thessalonians 5: 4-5). We pray this Advent: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come, child, come.â&#x20AC;? Do you feel the warmth as he draws nearer? Be still, listen, pray. In the silence do not run â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do not be afraid. Although you may be used to the cold, have faith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it will change. The son is coming. How glorious the timing of the Father, who sends us the bright and warm son at the precise time we most need him â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when the season, and maybe even the heart, is dark and cold. We pray this Advent: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come, son of the Father, come.â&#x20AC;? The Bible tells us that due to the tender compassion of our Father, his only begotten son descended from on high to free those who dwell in cold darkness and the shadow of death and guide us into the way of peace (Luke 1:7879). What a Christmas gift we have to look forward to. We pray this Advent: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come, son and truth for the world, come.â&#x20AC;? Feel his divine presence in your heart for as his warmth draws nearer the cold heart thaws, the hard heart softens, the closed heart opens, the narrow heart widens, the shallow heart deepens. The dead heart comes alive. As the child Jesus, coming in poverty and love, draws nearer to his Nativity, he needs a humble manger to lie in. Can your heart now warmed by the preparation of Advent be the manger? In your warm, open, loving heart, tell him emphatically: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am your manger â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I give you everything.â&#x20AC;? Remember, the listening soul needs silence to hear the sweet whispers of the Lord. So, once again, even more deeply: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be still and know God.â&#x20AC;? In the still silence, listen to him saying to you as he rests in your manger on Christmas Day: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I too, give you everything.â&#x20AC;? Father Vito Perrone, a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, is founder of the Contemplatives of St. Joseph, a new monastic order in the archdiocese.

A priest lights the first candle in an Advent wreath at St. Joseph Church in Garden City, N.Y., in 2009.

Grace Confounding He came when he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expected as He always does, though a few on the night-shift had the release early. He came where he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expected as He always does, though a few mages were tipped off. He came where even the Apostles couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go along, in Nazareth of all places, on the edge of nowhere; they had to place it in Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home town. He is always one step ahead of us; the space-age calls for new maps and its altars and holy places are not yet marked. Amos Niven Wilder Amos Niven Wilder, who died in 1993, was a New Testament scholar and the brother of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist, Thornton Wilder, who died in 1975.

GUADALUPANA PILGRIMAGE TO ST. MARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CATHEDRAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x153;United in one faith we walk in prayer for all the sick and needy, for a just immigration reform, for the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peace, for our personal intentions, through the intercession of The Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Queen and Empress of The World, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Lady of Guadalupeâ&#x20AC;? Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. William J. Justice, Rev. John A. Balleza (Chaplain for Guadalupana Crusade),

Rev. Moises Agudo (Episcopal Vicar for Hispanic) thousands of pilgrims, live music, singers, $]WHF GDQFHUV DQG GHFRUDWHG Ă RDWV AsociaciĂłn de Charros â&#x20AC;&#x153;Los CosteĂąosâ&#x20AC;? de Brentwood, California will accompany his pilgrimage with joy. Gathering time: 5:00 AM Pilgrims Blessing: 5:30 AM Departure: 6:00 AM from ALL SOULS CHURCH 315 Walnut Avenue, So. San Francisco., CA 94080

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Am I Not Here, Your Mother?â&#x20AC;?

There will be participation of a choir, composed with members of different parish choirs. SOLEMN MASS: ST. MARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CATHEDRAL AT 2:00 P.M. 1111 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94109 Celebrant: Archbishop Emeritus Most Reverend JOHN R. QUINN

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Note: Transportation to All Souls will be available from St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral parking lot leaving at 4:00 to 6:00 a.m. In the afternoon from the Cathedral to All Souls Church from: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

Spirituality for Life

Love beyond naivete and romance Several years ago, a Presbyterian minister I know chal- of your heart; nor, love each other as society defines love, but lenged his congregation to open its doors and its heart more fully rather: Love each other as I have loved you! to the poor. The congregation initially responded with enthusiasm And, for the most part, we haven’t done that. and a number of programs were introduced that actively invited We haven’t loved our enemies, nor turned the other cheek people from the less privileged economic areas of the city, and reached out to embrace those who hate us. We haven’t prayed including a number of street people, to come to their church. for those who oppose us. But the romance soon died as coffee cups and other loose We haven’t forgiven those who hurt us, nor forgiven those items began to disappear, some handbags were stolen, and the who have murdered our loved ones. We haven’t, in the midst of church and meeting space were often left messy and soiled. A being hurt, asked God to forgive the very people who are hurting number of the congregation began to complain and demand an us because they are not really cognizant of what they are doing. end to the experiment: “This isn’t what we expected! Our church We haven’t been bighearted and taken the high road isn’t clean and safe anymore! when we’ve been slighted or We wanted to reach out to ignored, nor at those times these people and this is what Responding to slights with grace is have we let understanding and we get! This is too messy to empathy replace bitterness continue!” and our desire to withdraw. But the minister held his the essence of Christian love. We haven’t let go of our ground, pointing out that their grudges. expectations were naïve, that what they were experiencing was We haven’t let ourselves be vulnerable to the point of risking precisely part of the cost of reaching out to the poor, and that humiliation and rejection in our offers of love. We haven’t given Jesus assures us that loving is unsafe and messy, not just in up our fear of being misunderstood, of not looking good, of not reaching out to the poor but in reaching out to anyone. appearing strong and in control. We haven’t set out barefooted, We like to think of ourselves as gracious and loving, but, to love without security in our pockets. the truth be told, that is predicated on an overly naive and overly We haven’t opened our hearts enough to imitate Jesus’ romanticized notion of love. We don’t really love as Jesus invites universal, non-discriminating embrace, nor have we been able to us to when he says: Love each other as I have loved you! The stretch our hearts to see everyone as brother or sister, regardless tail end of that sentence contains the challenge: Jesus doesn’t of race, color or religion. say, love each other according to the spontaneous movements We haven’t made a preferential option for the poor, The Leading Catholic Funeral Directors of the San Francisco Archdiocese

haven’t brought the poor to our tables, and haven’t yet abandoned our propensity to be with the attractive and the influential. We haven’t sacrificed ourselves fully to the point of losing everything for the sake of others. We haven’t Father Ron ever really laid down our Rolheiser lives for our friends – nor, especially, for our enemies. We haven’t been willing to die for the very people who oppose us and are trying to crucify us. We haven’t loved with pure intention in our hearts, without somehow seeking ourselves within our relationships. We haven’t let our hearts be broken rather than, however subtly, violate someone else. We haven’t walked in patience, giving others the space they need to relate to us according to their own inner dictates. We haven’t been willing to sweat blood in order to be faithful. We haven’t waited in patience for God’s judgment on right and wrong. Finally, not least, we haven’t loved and forgiven ourselves. We haven’t loved as Jesus loved. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

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December 2, 2011

2012 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES

for this spiritually enriching journey of faith Fr. Mario has a PhD in New Testament, has lived in the Holy Land and has 35 years experience in leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land

TRAVEL

May 26-June 6 & September 18-29

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Catholic San Francisco

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Write, call or email for free brochure: Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M.

Catholic San Francisco

St. Peter’s Church, 110 West Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 853-2411, cell: (510) 280-4327 email: mmdicicco@gmail.com

to join in the following pilgrimages

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Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

New Mass language . . . ■ Continued from page 11 Manalang agreed, saying the change did not make much of a difference for them. “The music is really beautiful,” said Rosalinda Del Rosario, who works in the St. Patrick gift shop, saying she finds the change “wonderful.” Throughout the United States, years of planning went into the new translation, followed by several months of catechesis at the diocesan and parish levels. By all accounts, despite “a few rough spots here and there …it looks like we made it!” said Father Richard Hilgartner, executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Divine Worship. A call for comments posted on Catholic News Service’s Facebook page brought more than 50 responses by midday Nov. 29. A few said they didn’t like it; one respondent said “the priest’s language is awful” in the new version, the new sentences were “fragmented” and used “terrible grammar.” Some admitted to stumbles, but overall respondents praised the new translation. “Stumbled a few times during Mass yesterday, but the new language is beautiful. Richer than the original, pedestrian translation,” said another. In the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., at St. Gregory the Great Church, Marlene Saunders said the language invites people into “more of a relationship” with God. – Catholic News Service contributed to this story.

SCRIPTURE SEARCH Gospel for Deceember 4, 2011 Mark 1:1-8 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle B: the beginning of Mark’s Gospel. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. JESUS CHRIST SENDING CRYING OUT SINS LEATHER HONEY SANDALS

WRITTEN AHEAD OF YOU STRAIGHT PEOPLE WAIST WORTHY WATER

ISAIAH VOICE FORGIVENESS CLOTHED LOCUSTS STOOP SPIRIT

JOHN CAME FIRST L

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Books draw on creation as source of wholeness, compassion, relationship “A NEW HARMONY: THE SPIRIT, THE EARTH AND THE HUMAN SOUL” by John Philip Newell. JosseyBass (San Francisco, 2011). 224 pp., $19.95. “NATURE AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE” by Steven Chase. Wm. B. Eerdmans (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2011). 291 pp., $18. “A FIELD GUIDE TO NATURE AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE” by Steven Chase. Wm. B. Eerdmans (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2011). 155 pp., $8. book, “Nature as Spiritual Practice,” with deep respect, reverence and love for the created world and the Creator. Reviewed by Mary T. Kantor However, the organization and range of content of the (CNS) “A New Harmony,” John Philip Newell’s recent volume muddy the overall project. Chase sets out four goals for the reader: “Making work, continues and broadens the trajectory laid by his “Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation,” published Connections with Nature;” “Recognizing the Creator in 2008. From pointing the way to a Christianity offering in the Created;” “Participating with Nature as Spiritual healing and renewal for humanity and the earth, Newell Practice” and “Reawakening Attention, Wonder and now explores the expansive and essential interconnect- Moral Response.” The book lacks a straightforward proedness of all things across boundaries of race, religion gression toward these clear and compelling goals. Text (what Chase also calls “theory”) and practice are and time. A theologian, poet and scholar, Newell claims his own the book’s framing pieces: “Practice deepens reflective Christian tradition, yet his desire for this new volume is and critical theory at the same time that theory deepens “to communicate across the boundaries of religion and experiential practice,” he says. Some of the text/theory race that have separated us and to honor our distinct used as resources toward spiritual practice draw from inheritances by serving what is deeper still – the oneness Hebrew and Christian scriptures, ancient Christian writers, religious leaders, theologians, ecologists and bioloof our origins and the oneness of earth’s destiny.” The book’s threefold pattern begins with an explo- gists, politicians, researchers, poets, Native Americans ration of the “ancient harmony” of the universe, “the and Chase’s own anecdotes and experience. While each essential interwovenness of all things,” all sharing “the text in itself is thought-provoking, the broad range of oneness of our origins.” The second section recognizes interdisciplinary sources is confusing as to their service the brokenness of this harmony. The extent and depth of toward deepening experiential spiritual practice with this disharmony crosses species, lands and nations, indi- nature. The spiritual practices offered in “Nature as Spiritual viduals and families, and must be acknowledged before the transformation toward a new harmony. Lastly, we are Practice,” and in its companion field guide, are exercises offered “a new-ancient way of seeing with which to trans- for individuals or groups that “invite you to reacquaint yourself with wonder and form the fragmentations of astonishment and beauty.” our lives and world back into relationship.” Getting back in touch with wonder, The volumes are “intended to be read and practiced Drawing on his own together,” though many sojourns across continents astonishment and beauty of the practices/exercises and within different comof “A Field Guide” are munities, and naming broincluded in condensed and kenness and healing in his own family and history, Newell calls us to our own path sometimes full form in “Nature as Spiritual Practice.”The to communion in life and to “a way of relating the parts reasons for this overlap and/or need for two volumes to the whole, of seeing our distinct journeys in relation were unclear. The strength of these books lies in the spiritual to the one journey of the universe.” A graceful harmony of parts is presented from the practices. They offer the reader ample opportunities for wisdom of Christian mystics, poets, social historians, “wanderings, serendipitous experiences, surprises” in the visionary teachers and religious leaders from East and created world as guide toward the Creator. The texts referenced within the chapters, the appenWest, scientists, psychologists and psychotherapists, as well as the inspiration and challenges of art, architecture dices and bibliography provide rich resources for further and landscape, and the aggression of one small biting dog. reading in the areas of nature, ecology and theology and This small volume is a gem of spiritual insight. It spirituality with a focus on the created order. Also of interest: “Green Discipleship: Catholic closes with a question: “Who are the people, the creatures, the lands, the nations that will awaken our compassion, Theological Ethics and the Environment,” edited by and who in awakening our love will awaken our willing- Tobias Winright. Anselm Academic (Winona, Minn., ness to make whole again?” Newell is one who prompts 2011). 512 pp., $39.95. this awakening, calling us to wholeness, to holiness. Kantor, a writer and lecturer, lives in Boston and has a Author, retreat leader and teacher of spirituality and theology over 20 years, Steven Chase imbues his new doctorate in theology from Harvard Divinity School.

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Can I Join? Yes, we are looking for new members to join us. If you are a Catholic adult male, simply email us at ymius@aol.com or call us at 1-650-588n I J oi n? 7762 or Ca 1-800-964-9646. You can also visit our website for more info at www.ymiusa.org. We will provide you a brief YMI application form simp ly YMI m a il council. us at Membership to complete and the location of the nearest ym ius@a ol.c om or ca ll us d uring [ Mfees are very affordable (about $4 or$5 per month)F 9 a m to 5 pm] a t 1 -6 5 0- 58 8- 7 76 2 or 1- 8 00 -9 6 4- 96 46 . visit o ur website for mor e info at The YMI . . iusa.or . . Joing. the Brotherhood! www.. ym

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December 2, 2011

Advent Opportunities Dec. 4, 3 p.m.: Musicians of St Bartholomew Parish, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, present their annual Christmas Concert. Four choirs of all ages and a 14-piece orchestra will perform a selection of carols old and new, classical and contemporary. Admission is free. . Dec. 6, 12:30 p.m.: Celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Noontime Concerts at historic Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St. at Grant Avenue, San Francisco. The brilliant Alexander String Quartet will take the stage for what promises to be an exceptional anniversary concert. They will perform an allBeethoven program including the String Quartet No. 2 in G major, Op. 18 and the composer’s poignant last String Quartet, No. 16 in F major, Op. 135. Dec. 6, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.: “Christianity and Social Progress Today,” Advent lectures at St. Rita Church, 100 Marinda Drive in Fairfax. Dec. 6: Santa Clara University professor, Kristin E. Heyer on a Christian response to migration. Dec. 13: Jesuit Father James R. Stormes on justice and economic development. Talks are free. Call (415) 456-4815 or email saintritafairfax@att.net. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: St. Charles Parish, 880 Tamarack Ave., San Carlos 10th Christmas concert. The adult and children’s choirs will sing of the old story of Christmas and the new story, “Bright Light,” a children’s musical. Admission is free. An offering will be taken for the support of the music ministries at St. Charles. For more information, call (650) 591-7349 x 32. Dec. 9, 10, 7:30 p.m.: “In Dulci Jubilo – Sweet Sounds of Rejoicing,” a holiday concert featuring the Mater Dolorosa Hallelujah Chorale & Cherubim, directed by Angelita Pasamba at Mater Dolorosa Church, 307 Willow Ave., South San Francisco. Sounds of Broadway as well as the Christmas season are featured. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door, and children 5 and under are free. Proceeds benefit stained glass window project. For tickets and sponsorships, call (650) 583-4131, (650) 878-1715, or email mdssf50@yahoo.com Dec. 17-24: St. Anthony Foundation’s 24th year of accepting curbside donations. In addition to turkeys, needed items include clean, gently used clothing especially men’s clothing; new packages of socks and underwear; jars of peanut butter, cans of tuna, large bags of rice and beans and travel sized toiletries. Curbside times Dec. 17-24 are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Drive up to 105 Golden Gate Ave. at Jones Street in San Francisco For more information call (415) 592-2700 or visit www.stanthonysf.org. Dec. 18, 4 p.m.: Tota Pulchra: Internationally renowned classical musicians celebrate the life of Mary at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street and Geary Boulevard, San Francisco. Admission free but freewill donations welcome. Free parking. Concert is 90 minutes long with an interlude at which time Christine Watkins will recite her meditation, “Meeting Mary.” People wanting to learn about St. John (Don) Bosco are invited to a study group on the man whose 100th birthday is in 2015. The group will meet three to four times a year. Salesian Father Arthur Lenti’s “Don Bosco: History and Spirit” will be the primary source for study and discussion. “We hope to rediscover his life, teachings, spirituality,” said Frank Lavin, a founder of the meetings. Contact Frank Lavin at (415) 310-8551 or franklavin@comcast.net with questions or to sign up.

Datebook Kristin E. Heyer

Dec. 6, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.: “Christianity and Social Progress Today,” Advent lectures at St. Rita Church, 100 Marinda Drive, Fairfax. Dec. 6: Santa Clara University professor, Kristin E. Heyer on a Christian response to migration. Dec. 13: Jesuit Father James R. Stormes on justice and economic development. Talks are free. Call (415) 456-4815 or email saintritafairfax@att.net.

beneath Our Lady of Guadalupe’s banner procession goes north up El Camino Real to Planned Parenthood at 35 Baywood Ave. – about a 1.5 mile trip - and returns the same way.

The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi

Pro-life

Vallejo and Columbus in North Beach Visit www.shrinesf.org and www.knightsofstfrancis.com. The shrine church is open every day 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Porziuncola and “Francesco Rocks” Gift Shop are open every day but Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mass is celebrated in the shrine church Monday through Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Rosary is prayed daily in Porziuncola at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3: “Francesco Rocks Holiday Boutique” where refreshments will be served as you wander the aisles looking for that special gift for that special someone on your list.

Jan. 21: “Walk for Life West Coast” this year starts at a different time and takes a different route. Mass Jan. 21 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard is at 9:30 a.m. The rally preceding the walk begins at 12:30 p.m. at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza across from City Hall. Guest speakers include former abortionist, Dr. Vansen Wong and “Silent No More” representative, Jacquie Stainaker. An “Info Faire” at Civic Center Plaza begins at 11 a.m. “The Interfaith Committee for Life Prayer Service” is Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. All event activities are available at www.walkforlifewc.com. You may also email info@walkforlifewc.com.

Volunteer Catholic Charities CYO: Contact Liz Rodriguez at erodriguez@cccyo.org or (415) 972-1297 to fill out a volunteer application. A list of current open volunteer positions is available online at www.cccyo. org/volunteer. St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco: Contact Tim Szarnicki at tszarnicki@svdp-sf.org or (415) 977-1270 x3010. St. Anthony Foundation: Visit www.stanthonysf. org and fill out a volunteer opportunity request form or contact Marie O’Connor at (415) 592-2726. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County: Call Atrecia at (650) 373-0623 or email svdpinfo@yahoo.com. Handicapables: Call Jane at (415) 585-9085. La Porziuncola Nuova at National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi: Contact Jim Brunsmann at jimbrunsmann@comcast.net or go to www.knightsofsaintfrancis.com and follow the Volunteer Application link at the bottom of the home page.

Young Adults The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose have announced retreats for young adult women and men. Visit www.msjdominicans.org or call (510) 933-6335 or (510) 657-2468. You may also email blessings@ msjdominicans.org or vocations@msjdominicans.org.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Vocations

Dec. 10, 6 p.m.: “Mass and Fiesta” commemorating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 3835 Balboa St., San Francisco. Food is free and a raffle adds to the fun. Music is by youth mariachi band. Dec. 11, 2 p.m.: “Our Lady of Guadalupe San Mateo Pro-Life Procession – Rain or Shine” Meet at the large front doors of St. Matthew Church in San Mateo at El Camino Real and 9th Avenue. While praying the rosary

A monthly discernment group for single, Catholic women ages 18-40 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with the MSJ Dominican Sisters. Day includes group discussion and reflection on your vocation, and Eucharist and lunch with the sisters at their Motherhouse, 43326 Mission Blvd. entrance on Mission Tierra Place in Fremont. Email vocations@ msjdominicans.org with questions or for more information.

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1500 Old Mission Rd., Colma, (650) 756-2060 Dec. 3, 11 a.m.: First Saturday Mass in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel. Father Jerome Foley, pastor, St. James Parish, San Francisco is principal celebrant. Dec. 10, 11 a.m.: Christmas Remembrance Service in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel. Msgr. John Talesfore, pastor, St. Mary’s Cathedral, will preside.

Single, Divorced, Separated

LA NUOVA PORZIUNCOLA

Food and Fun Dec. 3: St. Stephen Women’s Guild “Winter Wonderland, Winter Ball and Auction” at Olympic Club Lakeside. For tickets and further information contact Fionnuala McElligott at (650) 296-9519 or fionnualamcelligott@gmail.com. Dec. 3, 2011 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Immaculate Conception Academy’s annual Holiday Boutique. Proceeds benefit the school. Items include gift baskets, homemade baked items, unique and original gifts for everyone. Hot cocoa, too. Bring in your little ones and check out our Children’s Area, take a picture with Santa and receive a small surprise! - Immaculate Conception Academy Auditorium, 24th and Guerrero streets, San Francisco. Dec 3, 10 a.m.: “Saint Hilary School Winter Boutique,” 765 Hilary Drive, Tiburon. Open To The Public! There are more than 30 vendors selling Holiday gift items for all ages: women’s wear, children’s clothing, unique gifts, holiday treats, and much more. Free admission and parking in church and school lot. Visit www.sainthilary-school.org. Dec. 3, 4: “St. Brendan School Christmas Boutique & Children’s Carnival,” Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Laguna Honda and Portola Drive, San Francisco. Enjoy carnival games and prizes, large inflatable slides, holiday shopping, gourmet booth. For more information, email sbsboutique@gmail.com. Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Holiday Open House & Craft Fair” benefiting Hanna Boys Center, 17000 Arnold Drive in Sonoma. Enjoy a festive day including refreshments, Santa photos, handmade crafts, campus tours. Visit www.hannacenter.org or call Tamara Stanley at (707) 933-2504. Dec. 4, 9: a.m.-3 p.m.: “Santa & Pancakes Winter Faire” at St. Thomas More School Gym, 50 Thomas More Way off Brotherhood Way. Choose from unique holiday decorations and gifts, baked goods, fudge, handmade knitwear, and the world’s best peanut brittle.

Information about Bay Area single, divorced and separated programs is available from Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf at grosskopf@usfca.edu (415) 422-6698. Would you like support while you travel the road through separation and divorce? The Archdiocese of San Francisco offers support for the journey. The Separated and Divorced Catholics of the Archdiocese of San Francisco offer two ongoing support groups at St. Bartholomew Parish, 600 Columbia Drive, San Mateo, on first and third Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. in the spirituality center, and in O’Reilly hall of St. Stephen Parish near Stonestown in San Francisco, on first and third Wednesdays, at 7:30 p.m. Call Joanne (650) 347-0701 for more information.

Consolation Ministry Grief support groups meet at the following parishes: San Mateo County: Good Shepherd, Pacifica; call Sister Carol Fleitz at (650) 355-2593. Our Lady of Mercy, Daly City; call (650) 755-2727. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Redwood City; call (650) 366-3802. St. Bartholomew, San Mateo; call Barbara Syme (650) 343-6156. St. Peter, Pacifica; call (650) 3596313. St. Pius, Redwood City; call (650) 361-0655. St. Robert, San Bruno; call Sister Patricia O’Sullivan at (650) 589-0104. Marin County: St. Anselm, San Anselmo; call Brenda MacLean at (415) 454-7650. St. Anthony, Novato; call (415) 883-2177. St. Hilary, Tiburon; call Helen Kelly at (415) 388-9651. Our Lady of Loretto, Novato; call Sister Jeanette at (415) 897-2171. San Francisco County: St. Gabriel; call Monica Williams at (650) 756-2060. St. Mary’s Cathedral; call Sister Esther McEgan at (415) 567-2020 ext. 218. Alma Via; call Mercy Feeney at (650) 756-4500; St. Dominic; call Deacon Chuck McNeil at (415) 5677824 or email cbmcneil@aol.com. Young Widow/Widower Group: St. Gregory, San Mateo; call Barbara Elordi at (415) 614-5506.

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

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

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Signature:

Holy Cross Cemetery

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Copies @ $25.00 Each: $

Includes Postage and Handling

Method of Payment: ❑ Visa Exp. Date:

Have your picture taken with Santa. The day includes door prizes and special activities for the children. Contact Linda Shah at (415) 218-0401 or lp1114@aol.com. Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.: St. Timothy Parish, 1515 Dolan Ave., San Mateo, “Christmas Bazaar and Breakfast with Santa” including a raffle with cash prizes, breakfast and photo session with Santa and other items for sale such as Filipino and Tongan and Hispanic food, baked goods, and Christmas gift items. Kids will enjoy their own craft activities and games. Proceeds benefit the parish. Call (650) 342-2468 or email nymvflo@gmail.com for more information.

Archdiocese of San Francisco 2011 Deluxe Directory

Name Credit Card #:

Catholic San Francisco

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❑ Check ❑ Money Order

Phone #:

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

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

Handy Man

SERVICE DIRECTORY For information about advertising in the Service Directory, visit www.catholic-sf.org, Call 415-614-5642, Fax: 415-614-5641 or E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Counseling Senior Home Care Children reflect the strains of childhood within and outside of the family

Family Systems Therapy

20 years experience – LVN

The bully at school, adolescent adjustment, A separation /divorce or a new“blended family” They are withdrawn, angry, acting out, Failing in school or just sad or too quiet. The family gathers together to understand, support and heal. Single parents and couples have their issues. Depression, infidelity, gambling, substance abuse , often unspoken in the family, take their toll. Family Systems Therapy has guided families for nearly 50 years. If you would like to talk over your family issues call for a free phone consultation.

Nancy A. Concon,

(415) 505-7830

Home Care

• Family • Work • Relationships • Depression • Anxiety • Addictions

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 30 years experience • Reasonable Fees

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

Healthcare Agency

415.368.8589 Lic.#942181

QUALITY HOME CARE SERVING THE BAY AREA SINCE 1996 * Attendants * Companions • Insured • Bonded www.irishhelpathome.com

Marin 415.721.7380

Notary Breen’s Mobile Notary Services Timothy P. Breen Notary Public

S.O.S. PAINTING CO. PAINTING INTERIOR, EXTERIOR Interior-Exterior wallpaper hanging & removal Lic # 526818 Senior Discount

Certified Signing Agent PHONE: 415-846-1922 FAX: 415-702-9272

Home Healthcare Agency Specializing in home health aides, attendants and companions. Serving San Francisco, Marin & the Peninsula.

Contact: 415.447.8463

Contractor McGUIRE & SONS GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR State License #346397

FINE WOOD WORKING SINCE 1978

415.454.2719

John Holtz

Ca. Lic 391053 General Contractor Since 1980

(650) 355-4926

Painting & Remodeling •Interiors •Exteriors •Kitchens •Baths

1655 Old Mission Road #3 Colma, SSF, CA 94080 415-573-5141 or 650-993-8036

Construction Cahalan Const. Remodels, Additions, Paint,Windows, Dryrot, Stucco

415.279.1266 Lic. #582766 415.566.8646 mikecahalan@gmail.com

Residential Commercial

650.892.3550

Argosconstruction1.com Lic. #918864

*Irish owned & operated *Serving from San Francisco to North San Mateo

BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR SENIORS WITH SPECIAL NEED OF CARE

Same price 7 days Lic. # 376353

(415) 931-1540 24 hrs. Lifetime Warranty on All Doors + Motors

Roofing

Electrical ALL ELECTRIC SERVICE 650.322.9288

(650) 580-6334 / (925) 330-4760

(415) 786-0121 • (650) 871-9227

Care Management for the Older Adult Family Consultation –Bereavement Support Lic. # 907564

Striving to Achieve Optimum Health & Wellbeing

Fences & Decks John Spillane • • • •

Retaining Walls Stairs • Gates Dry Rot Senior & Parishioner Discounts

650.291.4303

Construction ➤ Hauling ➤ Job Site Clean-Up ➤ Demolition ➤ Yard Service ➤ Garbage Runs ➤ Saturday & Sunday

PAUL (415) 282-2023 YOELSHAULING@YAHOO.COM

LAST-MINUTE SERVICE AVAILABLE

KEANE CONSTRUCTION ➮ ➮ ➮ ➮

Exterior / Interior Additions ➮ Baths Foundations, Stairs, Dry Rot Replacement Windows ➮ Kitchen Remodeling Architect Available ➮ Senior Discount

Call: 415.533.2265 Lic. 407271

Electrical DEWITT ELECTRIC YOUR # 1 CHOICE FOR Recessed Lights – Outdoor Lighting Outlets – Dimmers – Service Upgrades • Trouble Shooting!

Ph. 415.515.2043 Ph. 650.508.1348

Lic. 631209) 9)

Plumbing

S anti

Plumbing and Heating 415-661-3707 Michael T. Santi

HOLLAND Plumbing Works San Francisco

Long hrs. - $10, Short hrs. - $18, Live-in - $170

Kathy Faenzi, MA, Clinical Gerontologist Office: 650.401.6350 Web: www.faenziassociates.com

Bonded, Insured – LIC. #819191

Since 1972 Ca License # 663641 24 Hour Emergency Service

We Provide reliable & experienced caregivers to help seniors in their own home. *Companionship, Bathing, Alzheimer, Dementia & more.

Clinical Gerontologist

bheffpainting@sbcglobal.net Member of Better Business Bureau

FREE ESTIMATES! • Fast & Affordable

Construction

G ARAGE D OOR R EPAIR

10% Discount: Seniors, Parishioners

Call BILL 415.731.8065 • Cell: 415.710.0584

Contractor inspection reports and pre-purchase consulting

Senior Care Garage Door Remodeling Argos SUPPLE SENIOR CARE “The most compassionate care in town”

All Jobs Large and Small

Painting & Remodeling

* Member National Notary Association *

The Irish Rose

Painting

www.Irishpainting-sf.com

Irish Help At Home www.sospainting.net FREE ESTIMATES

San Francisco 415 759 0520

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Eoin Lehane

415-269-0446 650-738-9295

415-337-9474

Cell (415) 517-5977 (650) 757-1946

BILL HEFFERON

CALL FOR FREE CLIENT ASSESMENT

Graduate, Georgetown Family Center

When Life Hurts It Helps To Talk

Discount to CSF Readers

Licensed

Lila Caffery, MA, CCHT

InnerChildHealing.com

All Purpose

ACACIA HOME CARE Irish Painting Most compassionate and loving care.

Murray Bowen, M.D. Founder, Georgetown Family Center

A child may be suffering from:

Painting

Expert interior and exterior painting, carpentry, demolition, fence (repair, build), decks, remodeling, roof repair, gutter (clean/repair), landscaping, gardening, hauling, moving, welding.

Lic. #742961

NOTICE TO READERS

ALL PLUMBING WORK PAT HOLLAND Service Changes Solar Installation Lighting/Power Fire Alarm/Data Green Energy Fully Licensed • State Certified • Locally Trained • Experienced • On Call 24/7

CA LIC #817607

BONDED & INSURED

415-205-1235

Visit us at www.catholic-sf.org

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

For more information, contact: Contractors State License Board 800-321-2752

December 2, 2011

Rental Available CITY TOWERS WAITING LIST OPENING One Day Only, Wednesday, December 7, 2011, for studio’s and 1 bedroom units only. Must qualify. Must apply in person and all adults must be present. Only 100 applications will be distributed and accepted. Waiting list closes on December 8, 2011

Hours are 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm at 1065 8th Street Oakland.

PUBLISH A NOVENA Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

Cost $26

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

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

rent a room

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

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

Novenas St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. Thank You St. Jude. Never known to fail. You may publish.

C.F.

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

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

Prayer to St. Jude Oh, Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make you be invoked. Say three our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. St. Jude pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. This Novena has never been known to fail. This Novena must be said 9 consecutive days. Thanks. S.M.

PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY “Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints” O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen. C.F.

St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. Thank You St. Jude. Never known to fail. You may publish.

M.P.L.

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

Room Wanted

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

with a family, will help with chores in your home or small business (bilingual/Spanish) for a reduced rent

415-647-7519.

Tahoe Rental

LAKE TAHOE RENTAL Vacation Rental Condo in South Lake Tahoe. Sleeps 8, near Heavenly Valley and Casinos.

Call 925-933-1095 See it at RentMyCondo.com#657

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER!

Summ e Speciar/Fall ls

INFORMATION visit us at www.catholic-sf.org or

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

$89

$119

$139

Holiday Boutique

ROOM FOR RENT IN SAN FRANCISCO. 1-bedroom for rent in 2-bedroom condo. Available immediately. Apartment will be shared with retired lady. Includes WiFi internet, utilities, washer/dryer, kitchen. Call (415) 841-9103

JOIN US FOR IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE where all proceeds directly benefit ICA students. You’ll find gift baskets, homemade baked items, and unique and original gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Sip on a cup of cocoa while you browse among our many vendors and their quality gift items. This special holiday boutique will take the stress out of your holiday shopping … and you might just find something for yourself too. Bring in your little ones and check out our Children’s Area and have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and receive a small surprise! WHAT:

ICA’S HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

WHEN: SATURDAY – DECEMBER 3, 2011 from 9-2pm WHERE: Immaculate Conception Academy Auditorium at the corner of 24th St. & Guerrero St. in San Francisco

Pro Life Procession Our Lady of Guadalupe

Pro Life Procession Sunday Dec. 11, 2011 2:00pm We will meet at the large front doors of:

St.Matthew parish, San Mateo (at El Camino Real & 9th Ave) & while praying the rosary beneath the banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe we will proceed north up El Camino Real to:

Planned Parenthood 35 Baywood Ave, San Mateo

heaven can’t wait

& return in the same way. (about 1.5 mile round-trip)

Serra for Priestly Vocations

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Pre-born & the Pro-life Movement, pray for us.

Please call Archdiocese of San Francisco (415) 614-5683

Chimney Cleaning

classifieds FOR ADVERTISING

Roommate Wanted

Middle age woman wishes to

Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp.

Catholic San Francisco

Rain or Shine!

Visit us at catholic-sf.org

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2011

We invite you to gather with us on Saturday, December 10th at 11:00 a.m. in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma Msgr. John Talesfore will facilitate our Christmas Remembrance Service as you join with others to remember and share griefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey and be comforted. During this holiday service, the names of those you wish to remember and your message of love may be written on ornaments made by school students. You will be invited to place your ornament on our Memory Trees during the service. These Christmas Trees represent the ongoing hope of life and will remain in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel from December 10th until January 7th.