stamps:
year of mercy:
Vatican Christmas designs feature 15th-century art
catholic charities:
Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan writes new songs for jubilee year
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Maurice lives fuller life with agency’s help
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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO Newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco
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Serving San Francisco, Marin & San Mateo Counties
December 3, 2015
$1.00 | VOL. 17 NO. 31
Pope: Open doors of mercy, counter violence with love Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
(CNS photo/Paul Haring)
A U.N. peacekeeper stands guard as children wait for Pope Francis’ arrival for a meeting with the Muslim community at the Koudoukou mosque in Bangui, Central African Republic, Nov. 30.
BANGUI, Central African Republic – Put down the weapons of war and work for justice, Pope Francis urged the people of the Central African Republic. “Even when the powers of hell are unleashed, Christians must rise to the summons, their heads held high, and be ready to brave blows in this battle over which God will have the last word. And that word will be love and peace,” the pope said in an evening homily Nov. 29 at Bangui’s cathedral. A civil war that began in 2013 and ongoing outbursts of violence, including between mainly Muslim and mainly Christian militias, have sown terror in the Central African Republic, which already was on most lists of the five poorest countries in Africa. A fifth of the country’s population has fled abroad or is living in camps for displaced people. Explaining to people outside the Bangui cathedral that their city was, for the day, “the spiritual capital of the world,” Pope Francis prayed for the mercy and grace of peace as he used both hands and his body weight to push open the Holy Door of the cathedral. The main opening of the Year of Mercy will be Dec. 8 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. see pope, page 13
Pastoral leaders discuss church response to homeless crisis Christina Gray Catholic San Francisco
How can the local church best respond to the unprecedented rise in the numbers of homeless people – in particular the number of homeless families and children – in all three counties of the Archdiocese of San Francisco? That’s the question Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice posed to pastors, deacons, religious and other concerned pastoral workers who gathered at the archdiocese’s Pastoral Center on Nov. 20 to listen to a panel of advocates discuss their work with San Francisco’s homeless population, 40 percent of whom are members of homeless families. Bishop Justice called a local church
(Photo by Christina Gray/Catholic San Francisco)
Joyce Calagos from Church of the Epiphany shared her thoughts with Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice at a meeting Nov. 20 in the archdiocesan Pastoral Center to discuss the homelessness crisis in San Francisco. About 50 clergy, religious and community leaders met to listen to homeless advocates present facts and myths about homelessness as a first step to creating a strategic church response.
response to homelessness “a challenge, but also a gift.” “We wanted to gather together and hear what the agencies are doing and what they need, and then discuss among ourselves what we can do,” he said. Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition for Homelessness in San Francisco and one of the day’s four presenters, said there are over 3,000 homeless children in San Francisco – more than double that of only five years ago. Skyrocketing housing costs and evictions are displacing families rapidly, she said, and shelters, geared toward single adults, aren’t prepared to accommodate them.
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Year of Mercy plans include indulgence, Lenten initiative
Need to know Vatican Christmas stamps: This year’s Vatican Christmas stamps feature a 15thcentury manuscript illumination of the Holy Family. Flanked by a lowing ox and a donkey, Mary and Joseph pray over Baby Jesus as angels sing above and poor shepherds approach. The image, painted by an unknown artist, is from the Codices Urbinates Latini 239 (1477-1478) from the Vatican Library. The special edition stamps went on sale Nov. 19 in two denominations of 80 euro cents and 95 euro cents in sheets of 10. The Vatican post office and Philatelic and Numismatic Office also offer a collector’s booklet containing four 95 euro-cent stamps and commemorative cover for 3.80 euro. All order requests should be made by email to: order.ufn@scv.va. The Vatican stamp office will then send a proper order form and methods of payment. Catholic Charities’ 2015 Impact Report: The report includes representative stories from clients, donors, volunteers and staff to tell how more than 37,000 lives were improved in the archdiocese. Client outcome data is also shared to show how donations of money and time were used to impact lives in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties. To read the report or to find out how to get involved, visit CatholicCharitiesSF.org.
Tom Burke Catholic San Francisco
(CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Religious artwork is seen on the Holy Door at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome Nov. 19. The Holy Doors of Rome’s four papal basilicas will be opened during the Holy Year of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8.
Help YMI of All Souls help the hungry
Merton retreat day: Join the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose’s Center for Education & Spirituality for “Thomas Merton: A Living Legacy,” a retreat day Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Motherhouse, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont (off Mission Tierra). $25 donation includes lunch. Register at http://bit.ly/MertonRetreat1 or call (510) 933-6360. Visit msjdominicans.org. USF receives $15 million gift: Silicon Valley philanthropist and real estate developer John A. Sobrato and his wife Susan have made an historic gift of $15 million to the University of San Francisco, the largest gift from individuals in the institution’s history, the university announced Nov. 18. The gift will support USF’s firstever master plan for athletic facilities, renovate the 60-year old War Memorial Gymnasium, and help USF uphold its tradition of excellence in Division 1 athletics. The multuse facility will be named The Sobrato Center and will feature a new club level with preferred seating that also bears the Sobrato name.
LIVING TRUSTS WILLS
In letters to priests and faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone has drawn special attention to the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis and beginning Dec. 8 around the world. The year will close on the Solemnity of Christ the King Nov. 20, 2016. In his letter to priests, Archbishop Cordileone reiterated “the spiritual advantage of our people” as the target of any celebrations during the year established by priests in recent meetings of the archdiocesan presbyteral council. Firm plans for the year, the archbishop said, include the availability of a “Holy Year indulgence” and a “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative during Lent with “particular emphasis on the sacrament of reconciliation and penance.” While dates for gaining the indulgence are yet to be decided, pilgrimage sites include St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in Menlo Park and Mission San Rafael. The archbishop alerted the faithful that “plans are well underway for events throughout the year both at the archdiocesan and parish levels” and invited all to join him for vespers and Opening of the Holy Doors, 3 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, Dec. 13. St. Patrick’s Seminary choir will lead song.
The Young Men’s Institute of All Souls Parish, South San Francisco, in association with clubs including Kiwanis and the Lions is a sponsor of the annual Louis P. Guaraldi Food Basket Program benefiting local families during the holidays. Last year, more than 3,000 pounds of food provided for more than 350 local families. Volunteers will prepare and deliver what is anticipated as some 300 parcels Dec. 12 from 8 a.m., at South San Francisco Terrabay Fire Station 65, 1151 South San Francisco Drive, South San Francisco. Along with the food baskets, volunteers will also be delivering toys donated by the community and the U.S. Marine Corps. Donations of nonperishable food and cash donations are sought for the effort. South San Francisco Scavenger Co., 500 East Jamie Court off East Grand Avenue and Haskins Way, and Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, both in South San Francisco, are drop-off points through Dec. 11, weekdays during business hours.
(Courtesy photo)
Volunteers pose with holiday food boxes at last year’s Louis P. Guaraldi Food Basket Program.
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Parishes collecting signatures for assisted-suicide repeal Valerie Schmalz Catholic San Francisco
The Archdiocese of San Francisco is joining all California dioceses in supporting a signature-gathering campaign to place a referendum on the November ballot that would repeal physician assisted suicide. “Sadly, this new law creates a medical and social reality in civil society that expands a ‘throwaway culture’ mentality to an unprecedented level, placing in peril our most vulnerable sisters and brothers in California and undermining the trust so essential to the physician-patient relationship,” Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone wrote in a Nov. 13 letter to pastors. Archdiocesan respect life coordinator Vicki Evans said the signature gathering will begin at parishes the last weekend in November, the first Sunday of Advent, and continue at least until the second weekend in December. Each parish will receive 100 to 300 referendum petitions by mail from the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide, an organization working with the California Catholic Conference, Evans said. The referendum must have 365,800 verified signatures of registered California voters submitted to the secretary of state Jan. 4 to place the measure on the Nov. 8, 2016, ballot. A diverse coalition of organizations and individuals oppose assisted suicide, including actor Martin Sheen, Mrs. Ted Kennedy, and Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne as well as the American Medical Association, Californians for Disability Rights,
In addition to a growing population of elderly, California also has a large population of uninsured and underinsured people for whom physician-assisted suicide will ‘always be the cheapest option,’ making them vulnerable to coercion. Kathleen Buckley Domingo Archdiocese of Los Angeles
La Raza Roundtable of Santa Clara County and League of United Latin American Citizens as well as dozens of others. California’s law was approved at a time when California’s population over 65 is forecast to rise, from 4.5 million now to 11 million by 2050, a change which will increase Medicare and other health costs picked up by taxpayers. In addition to a growing population of elderly, California also has a large population of uninsured and underinsured people for whom physicianassisted suicide will “always be the cheapest option,” making them vulnerable to coercion, said Kathleen Buckley Domingo, associate director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace for the Los Angeles archdiocese. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law Oct. 5. Seniors Against Suicide filed a petition with the secretary of state to collect signatures for the referendum Oct. 6. While the California bishops generally wait until a measure has qualified to be placed on the ballot, they are making an exception for this measure, Archbishop Cordileone wrote.
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“Because this law presents an unprecedented moral threat to human dignity and the timing for qualifying for a referendum is urgent, we California bishops have decided to make a rare exception to our policy and endorse this initiative before it qualifies for the ballot. Thus, signature gathering will be allowed and encouraged in the Archdiocese of San Francisco,” Archbishop Cordileone wrote. The law makes California just one of four states where physician assisted suicide is legal. The other states where physician assisted suicide is law are Washington, Oregon and Vermont. In Montana a judge ruled it was not against the law there. The California End of Life Options Act allows a physician to prescribe a lethal dose of narcotics to someone who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a prognosis of six months to live. It was introduced in an August special legislative session called to address health care costs after a similar bill, SB 128, stalled in Assembly committee during the regular session. Under California’s law, after the required two-week waiting period
following a terminal diagnosis, the patient can write or phone to get the assisted suicide prescription and the dose can be sent via mail to the patient. There are no safeguards as to who accepts the package or whether the ill or disabled person ingests the medication through his or her own will or is given it by someone else. The two witnesses can be an employee of the nursing home and an heir or relative, under the law. The cause of death is listed as the underlying illness, not assisted suicide. In a statement released Nov. 23, the executive committee of the California Catholic Conference said, “Instead of reaching out to the vulnerable terminally ill with proper care and companionship at the end of life, the new law legalizing physician assisted suicide inculcates the perception that those at the end of life are an unnecessary social burden.” The comments were part of a larger statement that linked parental notification in case of a minor’s intent to abort, repealing the death penalty, and repealing physician assisted suicide. Signature gathering to place measures on the November 2016 ballot is underway for all three. In its statement, the executive committee said: “In the coming weeks and months, all three of these issues will be before us in California. You may be asked to sign petitions to place them on the ballot for November, 2016. Signing the petitions will give us, and all Californians, the opportunity to craft laws that truly serve the common good and build up the social fabric of California while enriching the life of all. “
The CYO Retreat Center is located amidst 216 acres of towering redwood forest and open meadow in historical western Sonoma County, just six miles from the Pacific Ocean and a short walk away from the town of Occidental. The CYO Retreat Center is available for rent and accommodates all types of retreats, meetings and conferences for groups such as public/private schools, parishes, choral groups, performing arts, and martial arts groups. For more information, please contact our experienced staff to help customize a personalized retreat experience!
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
It’s ‘us’ out there, SVdP San Mateo County says Tom Burke catholic San Francisco
“A reciprocal mission,” is the lens through which the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Mateo County sees its calling, Amanda Britt, the society’s interim director of development and public relations told Catholic San Francisco. “The very ones we think we’re saving, we find that they end up saving us,” Amanda said. “The poor cease to become ‘them’ and Hank Prevost Jr. instead become ‘us.’” A premier site for the building of these relationships is the SVdP Homeless Help Centers in South San Francisco, San Mateo and Redwood City. “Volunteers working with our Homeless Help Centers feel a sense of humbling and at the same time feel satisfied that they can lend a hand,” Deacon Abel Mejia, director of the facilities said. “I see transformation in our volunteers who come in to help and are touched by a real spirit of love. They leave feeling grateful for what they have and that they could see a person living on the margin through different eyes.” “Volunteers provide the critical human power” throughout SVdP’s many ministries, according to Amanda Britt. Last year, 2000 volunteers provided 101,480 total hours of service across the organization. “I’m following in my father’s footsteps,” said Hank Provost Jr., a member of St. Matthew Parish SVdP Conference and an 11-year volunteer in the help centers. A retiree, Hank volunteers twice a week and also makes home visits, the crux of the SVdP face-to-face outreach. Hank’s dad was a member of the St. Charles Parish Conference in San Carlos. Last year Vincentians and volunteers made 11,240 home visits; served 100,000 meals; distributed $2 million in food, $484,000 for rent assistance, $65,000 for utility assistance as well as $350,000 in free merchandise. SVdP of San Mateo County, a bridge to the poor, each holiday season has announced a “White Christmas Initiative,” Amanda said. The “White Christmas” campaign accepts new men’s and women’s underwear, T-shirts sizes medium to XXL, adult men’s and women’s socks, and new or gently-used and washed towels. Also welcome are gift cards for local stores carrying these items, such as Target and Kohl’s.
(Picture by Victoria Terheyden)
REUNION: Archbishop Riordan High School, class of 1955, gathered Oct. 15 at the Presidio Golf Club. “It was a great success,” said classmate Jack McCloskey. Riordan president Joe Conti is shown with a proclamation honoring the class from the California Assembly. In addition, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee proclaimed Oct. 15 “Class of 1955 Day.” Pictured from left with Joe Conti are classmates Kevin Reidy, Jack McCloskey and former California Assemblyman Gene Mullin. Drop off donations: SVdP Homeless Help Centers, Cafe St. Vincent, 344 Grand Ave., South San Francisco; San Mateo Homeless Center, 50 N. B St., San Mateo; Redwood City Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, 9:30-11:45 a.m., Monday-Friday; and the SVdP Thrift Store, 40 N. B St., San Mateo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Mail financial contributions to SVdP, 50 N. B St, San Mateo, 94401 or give online at www. svdpsm.org. COMPANION: The upcoming Year of Mercy and our abiding it can have no greater assist than from the music of Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan. Sister Suzanne has written two new pieces for the celebration to be premiered at the Mercy Sisters “Opening Doors of Mercy” Dec. 12, 7 p.m., in the motherhouse chapel in Burlingame. Sister Suzanne will be at Sister Suzanne the piano. Toolan, RSM The first, “a kind of trumpetlike tune” will accompany opening rites and is set in three parts for women’s voices,” Sister Suzanne said. The second piece uses Lamentations as a refrain “Your favors, O God, are not exhausted. Your mercies are never spent.” Verses are from
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Matthew, “Blessed are the merciful,” and Ephesians, “God is rich in mercy.” Sister Suzanne, whose music, especially “I Am the Bread of Life,” is sung in many languages around the world said “It feels quite good” to still be composing at age 88. Why special pieces for the Year of Mercy? “We are the Sisters of Mercy,” Sister Suzanne said, “and a house of Mercy is a fitting place to usher in a year of Mercy.” Sister Suzanne calls herself “terribly pragmatic” and said she “always has to have an event” to write. “My high school kids were a constant ‘event’ so I wrote so much at that time,” Sister Suzanne said. “Lately, since I don’t have a choir and I don’t have events, I was delighted to write for the Year of Mercy.” The Sisters of Mercy liturgy will mark the Year of Mercy but also Mercy Foundation Day and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Refreshments will follow. The sisters ask that you let them know if you’ll be there: www.eventbrite.com/e/ opening-doors-of-mercy-tickets-19304053945.
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Compassion and reconciliation for a broken family
Practicing compassion with Catholic Charities
As the Year of Mercy officially begins Dec. 8, consider these simple ways to assist Catholic Charities in the archdiocese: Fulfill a child’s wish for a gift on your Christmas Giving Tree; lead Christmas-themed activities for children and seniors; sponsor a disabled adult to a holiday meal; give a $25 gift card to Target for Catholic Charities children and families to enjoy a memorable Christmas. For more information, visit http://catholiccharitiessf.org/all-opportunities; contact Catholic Charities volunteer manager, Diana Contreras at (415) 972-1297 or director of community and parish engagement Jane Ferguson Flout at (415) 972-1227, or email Volunteer@CatholicCharitiesSF.org.
This is the first of three Advent stories focusing on clients served by Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The theme of this series is “A Season of Mercy,” following in the footsteps of Pope Francis’ recent declaration of a Year of Mercy. Catholic Charities
My name is Maurice. I am a 41-year-old man whose life has not gone as planned. Years ago I had a good job at the Chevron oil refinery working as a safety watchman and I enjoyed living in the Bay Area with my wife and three kids. Even with these blessings, I made some bad decisions which led to the loss of my marriage, home, job, and health. As a result, I became homeless and later received unexpected and devastating news: I had contracted AIDS. For the first two years after my diagnosis I had no medication so I began using other drugs to cope with my situation. My world became so small as I moved around to various homeless shelters in San Francisco, trying to get some sleep and a decent meal. My income dwindled to $75 a month, and I felt trapped and hopeless. This past year I received a hope-filled birthday gift – a call that there was a room available for me at Catholic Charities Leland House. Leland House is a comprehensive medical residence for homeless individuals living with disabling HIV/AIDS. The staff at Leland House believes that if they provide homeless individuals diagnosed with disabling HIV/AIDS with housing and medical services, then people like me will be medically and residentially stable. Since living at Leland House, I already feel an improvement to my physical health. The staff are a true blessing. They make sure I take my medication and help me schedule my monthly doctor appointments. Plus, I get three healthy meals a day
Our Lady of Guadalupe Our LadyPROCESSION of Guadalupe PRO-LIFE PRO-LIFE PROCESSION
Join our rosary-praying procession Join our Our rosary-praying procession beneath Lady’s banner beneath Ourfrom Lady’s banner starting from the statuestarting of St. Matthew at the statue of St. Matthew at th El Camino Real & 9th Ave, El Camino Real & 9 Ave, San SanMateo Mateo north Caminototo north up up El El Camino Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood Baywood Ave) (35(35 Baywood Ave) and return. and [about 1.5return. mile round-trip] [about 1.5 mile Rain or round-trip] shine! Rain or shine!
(Courtesy photo)
Maurice is a resident at Catholic Charities Leland House in San Francisco.
which have allowed me to focus on moving forward with other areas of my life. Equally important is how much my spirits have improved. For the first time in two years, I was able to visit with my kids and now I am able to save a little bit each month to do the kinds of fun things all dads want to do with their kids – hang out at Pier 39, eat at the Hard Rock café and take a ride on a RocketBoat. I also keep busy through the activities planned for all of the residents at Leland House. The loneliness of homelessness is gone and I now feel like I’m part of a genuine community. No matter religion, creed or color, we all get together. I am so grateful and elated that I now have a community of staff, peers and relative comfort. My sleep is blissful now and having a room and privacy is a gift. I feel compelled to let everyone at Catholic Charities know just how much having the opportunity to live here really means to me.
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Our Lady of2:00-3:00 Guadalupe, PM Patroness of the Pre-born, Pray for us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Pre-born, Pray for us!
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
South San Francisco pro-lifers continue battle to block clinic Valerie Schmalz Catholic San Francisco
Pro-life activists continue to block Planned Parenthood from opening a building on Grand Avenue DEC. 30JAN. 1
NEW YEAR’S RETREAT Fr. Vince Mesi, OFM
JAN. 22-24 FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY Sr. Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ JAN. 29-31 HEALING & WHOLENESS Carol Mitchell, Ph.D. Tom Gorham, M.A., CADC II FEB. 10
ASH WEDNESDAY Fr. Vince Mesi, OFM
in South San Francisco – despite having lost every legislative and legal battle since 2013. “For two and half years we have managed to block Planned Parenthood from entering South San Francisco. We are currently on our third appeal,” said Rosa Gomez, All Souls parishioner and organizer of Respect Life South San Francisco. The latest appeal was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals in August, asking the court to overturn a San Mateo County Superior Court ruling that upheld the South San Francisco Planning Commission and subsequently the South San Francisco City Council’s Aug. 28, 2013 decision to grant a conditional use permit for Planned Parenthood to open a clinic at 435 Grand Ave. South San Francisco zoning code requires a conditional use permit for a storefront medical clinic on that portion of Grand Avenue. Respect Life South San Francisco has held prayer vigils every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon since 2013, Gomez said. Respect Life South San Francisco includes parishioners from nearby All Souls, as well as Mater
Dolorosa, St. Veronica and St. Augustine, Gomez said. The appeal filed by attorney Gregory Weiler on behalf of Respect Life South San Francisco says that the planning commission did not consider the effect on the area, specifically the protests and counter protests about the medical clinic, in granting the conditional use permit. The planning commission waived the California Environmental Quality Act requirement for an environmental impact report, and should not have, Weiler said. Weiler appealed the Superior Court decision to the state Court of Appeals. The court has not set a date for a hearing but Weiler expects that to be resolved in late 2016. “If we lose there, we will appeal to the Supreme Court,” Weiler said. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte said at the time it applied for the conditional use permit that it did not plan to perform surgical abortions at the facility. The City of South San Francisco expects oral arguments in mid-2016, the city attorney Jason Rosenberg said.
12th annual Walk for Life West Coast set Jan. 23
Walk for Life West Coast on its Bay Area outlets. Viewers should check with their carriers or EWTN for specific times and channels. Youth ages sixth through 12th grades are invited to a newly created youth rally Jan. 22 at the cathedral with Mass, talks from Sisters of Life and Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and lunch. Information has been sent to school sites and those planning to attend are asked to register by Dec. 18. Information is also available from Vicki Evans, evansv@sfarch.org, (415) 614-5533.
The Walk for Life West Coast, now in its 12th year, takes place Jan. 23, beginning with 9:30 a.m. Mass at PO Box 767 • Danville, CA 94526 St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boule925-837-9141 • www.sandamiano.org vard, San Francisco. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone is principal celebrant and homilist. The event continues with a rally at Civic Center Franciscan Missionary Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Plaza at 12:30 p.m. and the namesake trek on San St Clare’s Retreat Francisco’s Market Street to Justin Herman Plaza. In St. Clare’s Retreat 2381 Laurel Glen Road, Soquel, CA. 95073 recent years more than 50,000 people have taken part 2381 Laurel Glen Road, Soquel, CA. 95073 Tel (831) 423-8093 TelE-mail: (831) 423-8093 in the Walk for Life West Coast. stclaresretreatcenter@gmail.com E-mail: stclaresretreatcenter@gmail.com Website: www.stclaresretreatcenter.com EWTN has announced it will be broadcasting the Website: www.stclaresretreatcenter.com
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Looking East
First-Saturday “Looking East” Lecture on Eastern Catholicism Our Lady of Fatima Russian Byzantine Catholic Church December 5, 2015, 1 p.m. 5920 Geary Boulevard/23rd Avenue, San Francisco, 94121 (415) 752-2052 | www.ByzantineCatholic.org Join Father Kevin Kennedy, our parish, and guests for a catechetical lecture on Eastern Catholicism on the First Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. And be sure to come early to experience the Russian Byzantine Divine Liturgy first-hand at 10 a.m., followed by our fellowship luncheon. We have free parking in the St. Monica’s parking lot. Everyone is welcome! All are welcome throughout the day . Parking is available in the St. Monica’s Parking Lot
For more information, visit www. ByzantineCatholic.org Call 415-752-2052 or email: OLFatimaSF@gmail.com
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
More than 700 celebrate closing Mass for Year of Consecrated Life Sister Rosina Conrotto, PBVM
More than 700 people gathered in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Nov. 22 for the celebration of the closing Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life. After the entrance procession led by four students from Mercy High School’s sacred movement group, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone warmly welcomed the congregation. He was joined at the altar by Archbishop John R. Quinn, Archbishop George Niederauer, Bishop Daniel Walsh, Bishop William J. Justice, priests representing various religious congregations and chancery staff. As a prelude, students from St. Brigid School choir sang “Wake Up the World,” a song written specially for the Year of Consecrated Life. They joined the cathedral choir and representatives from Immaculate Conception Academy, Junipero Serra High School, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory and Notre Dame High School choirs for singing throughout the ceremony. To illustrate the number of religious orders serving in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, 33 women and men religious representing 33 of the 67 orders accompanied the gift bearers in the offertory procession. Carrying the gifts were the two major superiors – Sister Maureen McInerney, OP, and Sister Stephanie Still, PBVM – and the two provincial superiors – Sister Sharbel, MC, and Sister Mary Litell, OSF, residing in the archdiocese
(Photos by Debra Greenblat/Catholic San Francisco)
Members of religious communities in the archdiocese gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral Nov. 22 for the closing Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life. Archbishop Cordileone celebrated the liturgy, joined by emeritus Archbishop John R. Quinn and emeritus Archbishop George Niederauer, Bishop Daniel Walsh and Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice. In his homily, Archbishop Quinn challenged consecrated persons with the question: Where do the priorities of consecrated life come from? As his homily progressed he noted that “the first priority of apostolic life in the New Testament is service” and “service of Jesus Christ is the very heart and soul, the foundation and the meaning of all other forms of service.” Archbishop Quinn also reminded the women and men religious gathered that the insistent call of Pope Francis is “to go to the peripheries: to the peripheries of degradation and poverty and war and terror and slavery. But also to the deep peripheries of the human heart. …” In closing, Archbishop Quinn said that “the consecrated disciple stands square in the midst of the human reality as a witness of hope.” In her post-Communion reflection, Mercy Sister Mary Waskowiak shared
full of hope. We ask for the grace to be alert and responsive to our founders’ call to serve those whose needs are still unmet and cry for attention. …. And, finally, we remember always Jesus’ words to those who would follow him: ‘The gift you have received, give as gift.’ That is exactly what we will do! It is an honor, a gift. It is our call.”
her vocation story. She said “my story is your story, is our shared story, and ultimately it is God’s story.” She recounted events that led to her embracing religious life and she spoke of the impact of the Second Vatican Council, the Quinn Report, and her roles in leadership for the Sisters of Mercy and in the presidency of Leadership Conference of Women Religious. In her final remarks she said, “We close this Year of Consecrated Life, trusting in God’s promise of a future
Presentation Sister Rosina Conrotto is director of the archdiocesan Office of Consecrated Life.
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
San Francisco children’s choirs to sing for Pope Francis during Christmas season Valerie Schmalz Catholic San Francisco
Three children’s choirs from the San Francisco area will be singing for Pope Francis during the Christmas season this year. The Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers will participate in the 40th International Congress of Pueri Cantores in Rome, singing at the World Peace Day Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Jan. 1. St. Brigid School Honor Choir and St. Mary’s Cathedral Archdiocesan Children’s Choir are also going to Rome but at the invitation of the Fondazione pro Musica e Arte Sacra, a Vatican based foundation for sacred music. The children will sing a papal Mass, together with the Sistine Chapel Choir, on Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany. The choirs are directed by Christoph Tietze, music director at St. Mary’s Cathedral. All three choirs are Archdiocese of San Francisco institutions in their own ways. The Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers is directed by Steve Meyer, and includes boys from
(Photo courtesy Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers)
the East Bay and the Archdiocese of San Francisco. It is a regional Catholic boys choir, but includes boys of any denomination. Meyer is also music teacher and choir director at St. Vincent de Paul School in San Francisco. Twenty-eight boys, ages 8-18, will go on the trip, Meyer said. The St. Brigid Honor Choir starts auditioning singers in second grade, but the choir is officially third to eighth grade. The Archdiocesan Children’s Choir is based at the cathedral. The two choirs usually sing together. Seventeen children, 14 from St. Brigid and three from the Cathedral choir, will go to Rome, said Tietze. The choirs benefit from a re-awakened appreciation of classical Catholic music and both belong to Pueri Cantores, founded in France in 1944, which is the official student choral organization of the Catholic Church. All three choirs participated in a regional Pueri Cantores Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone at St. Mary’s Cathedral in March. When the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers first joined Pueri Cantores in 1988, there were only 12 American choirs participating, Meyer said. “Now there are 400 choirs in the U.S.,” he said, noting that around 1970 many choirs were disbanded “because people were saying we don’t need choirs after Vati-
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Left, the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers with director Steve Meyer. Right, St. Mary’s Cathedral music director Christoph Tietze leads the children’s choirs at the Nov. 22 Mass to close the Year of Consecrated Life at the cathedral.
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can II. That’s not really true. There is a place for choir at the liturgy along with the congregational singing and whatever else might be going on.” The choirs have been fundraising for their trips to Rome, and Tietze said his group has been fortunate to raise a fair amount of money from a foundation and from private donors. The Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers began fundraising a year ago, and has held a number of successful events, Meyer said. The International Pueri Cantores Congress, held every five years, is Dec. 26-Jan. 2. The Golden Gate Choir and Bell Ringers will join more than 5,000 singers, with over 1,000 from the U.S., including boys and girls from fourth through 12th grade, to sing at several locations including an opening ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Paul VI Hall Dec.28, a National Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome on December 29 and will participate in a Carols from Around the World Christmas celebration on December 31. The St. Brigid Honor Choir and Archdiocesan Children’s Choir will join 500 other children from the United States to sing at a Mass at St. Peter’s Jan. 2, a concert at St. Ignatius Church in Rome Jan. 3, a Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Jan. 4, and the papal Mass Jan. 6.
national 9
Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Pope names Vatican official head of US Anglican ordinariate Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY – After consultation with the governing council of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Pope Francis named Msgr. Steven J. Lopes to be the first bishop of the ordinariate, which Bishopserves former Andesignate Lopes glicans living in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Fremont April 22, 1975, Msgr. Lopes did his seminary studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park and
cover story shows Mary’s appeal
WASHINGTON – Maureen Orth, a special correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine who has written about music icons, world leaders and Hollywood celebrities, tackled a completely different subject for National Geographic magazine: the Virgin Mary. For the magazine’s December cover story, “Mary the most powerful woman in the world,” Orth visited several countries and interviewed dozens of people with strong devotional ties to the Mary – including from those who claim to have seen her, those who believe her intercession has healed them and those seeking her spiritual guidance and intercession. In the magazine’s Washington office Nov. 24, Orth, widow of Tim Rus-
in Rome at the Pontifical North American College and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 2001. He served as an associate pastor at St. Patrick Parish in San Francisco and St. Anselm Parish in Ross. The appointment of Bishop-designate Lopes was announced by the Vatican Nov. 24 along with the announcement that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Msgr. Jeffrey N. Steenson, 63, who had led the ordinariate since its establishment by Pope Benedict XVI Jan. 1, 2012. “This is the happy outcome of much careful consultation with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, to whom I first made this request almost a year ago,” Msgr. Steenson said in a statement posted on the ordinariate’s
website. “I welcome this news with all my heart, for the ordinariate has now progressed to the point where a bishop is much needed for our life and mission.” The personal ordinariate, similar to a diocese, serves parishes in the United States and Canada. Its offices are in Houston, Texas. Msgr. Steenson was ineligible to become a bishop because he is married. After 28 years of ministry in the Church of England and in the Episcopal Church in the United States, he and his wife were received into the Catholic Church in 2007. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest two years later. Bishop-designate Lopes has worked at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 2005. And since 2012 he
has served as secretary of the Vatican’s “Anglicanae Traditiones” commission, which was responsible for developing “Divine Worship,” the new missal for use in the personal ordinariates. The missal combines elements of the Catholic and Anglican liturgical traditions. Although Bishop-designate Lopes was not raised in the Anglican tradition, Msgr. Steenson said he had worked so closely with former Anglicans and with the establishment of the ordinariates for them that “there is no one who knows better” the personal stories of those who joined the Catholic Church and the history of the creation of the ordinariates for Anglicans who wanted to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church while maintaining elements of their Anglican heritage and liturgy.
sert, moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press,’’ who died in 2008, said what made the biggest impression on her while interviewing people for the article was Mary’s universal appeal across diverse cultures. “It was a huge journey all over the world,” she said, noting that what particularly stands out after a year of visiting Marian devotional sites in BosniaHerzegovina, France, Mexico, Egypt and Rwanda is that Mary is the “hope and solace of so many people including Muslims.”
ed by a lone gunman Nov. 27 said the shooter’s actions were the antithesis of the pro-life cause. “We want the conversion of Planned Parenthood, not their destruction,” said Father Bill Carmody, the longtime Respect Life director for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. “The pro-life movement has no place for violence.”
tor of the U.S. bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services. “We believe the risk is nil and certainly when we look at this (process) under a microscope, these are the most vetted people that come into our country,” William Canny told Catholic News Service. The director said the State Department screening procedure – which the White House posted on its website Nov. 20 – is comprehensive and makes security its highest priority. “We’re highly confident that it’s well done, that it screens out any possible threat of terrorism.’”
Clinic shooting antithesis of pro-life movement, says priest
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – A priest who celebrates Mass every Friday morning on a sidewalk near the Planned Parenthood clinic target-
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Faith leaders say refugees require compassion, acceptance Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON – A Boston cardinal and the Maryland Catholic Conference were among hundreds of faith leaders who called for compassion in addressing the world refugee crisis and stressed the importance of developing a national immigration policy based on humanitarian need. Acknowledging that the times are “dangerous” and that “enhanced security procedures are needed,” Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley in a statement Nov. 19 cautioned that in developing an immigration policy, “decisions concerning the specific measure taken require careful deliberation.” The Maryland Catholic Conference, which includes the Baltimore and Washington archdioceses and the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, in a statement Nov. 18 called on the country to welcome “those feeling persecution in other countries, including refugees seeking asylum from Syria.” The statements came as lawmakers in Congress and governors opposed measures to resettle Syrian
(CNS photo/Georgi Licovski, EPA)
A boy touches his crying father during a Nov. 19 protest by angry migrants from Pakistan and Morocco who blocked a section of the Greece-Macedonia border after Macedonia began granting entry only to refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. refugees in response to a string of extremist attacks in Paris Nov. 13 that left 130 people dead and hundreds more injured. Republicans in the House of Representatives Nov. 19 won a veto-proof majority, 289-137, on a bill blocking
Syrian and Iraqi refugees from entering the U.S. The bill’s status in the Senate was uncertain, however. In addition, governors in at least 30 states have called for an end to Syrian resettlement until security concerns can be addressed. Cardinal O’Malley said that proposals that “simply exclude Syrian refugees as such lack the balance and humanitarian perspective needed at this time.” Christian and Muslim Syrians, he noted, have been fleeing their homeland for months only to be “set adrift in a chaotic world, unprepared to provide for their safety or honor their humanity.” “The barbaric attacks in Paris, which demand a strong response and require policies that as best possible prevent recurrence, should not be used to efface the memory of Syrians and others from the Middle East and Africa who are desperately in need of shelter, support and safety,” the cardinal’s statement said. The Maryland Catholic Conference said it was prepared to offer assistance in partnership with Catholic Relief Services to Syrian and Iraqi families fleeing oppression and brutality carried out by the Islamic State.
Statements on pornography, politics highlight bishops’ meeting BALTIMORE – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a proposed statement on pornography and a new introductory note and limited revision of their quadrennial statement on political responsibility, during their annual Fall General Assembly Nov. 17. The bishops also approved strategic priorities for 2017-2020 planning: Evangelization, family and marriage, human life and dignity, vocations and ongoing formation and religious freedom. The full body of bishops also voted 230-4-1 to approve a proposed formal statement, “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” This is the first formal statement issued by the body of bishops focused exclusively on a pastoral response to pornography production and use. The document states that “producing or using pornography is gravely
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wrong.” It calls pornography “a mortal sin if it is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.” “This sin needs the Lord’s forgiveness and should be confessed within the sacrament of penance and reconciliation,” the document says. “Those who produce and distribute pornography harm the common good by encouraging and even causing others to sin.” The bishops also voted 217-16-2 in favor of on a new introductory note and 210-21-5 for a limited revision to their quadrennial statement on political responsibility, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” The revised statement, which is reissued the calendar year before a U.S. presidential election, will feature new language around issues of public concern for Catholics. USCCB, Catholic News Service
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Vatican orders 5 to stand trial in leaks case
VATICAN CITY – A Vatican judge has ordered five people, including a Spanish monsignor and two journalists, to stand trial in connection with the leaking and publication of documents about Vatican finances. The criminal trial was scheduled to begin Nov. 24 in the small Vatican courtroom behind St. Peter’s Basilica. Those called to trial on suspicion of forming “organized criminal association” with to divulge information concerning the fundamental interests of the Holy See are: Spanish Msgr. Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda, secretary of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See; Francesca Chaouqui, a member of the former Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organization of the EconomicAdministrative Structure of the Holy See; Nicola Maio, who served as personal assistant to Msgr. Vallejo Balda when he worked on the commission; Gianluigi Nuzzi, a journalist and author of “Merchants in the Temple”; and Emiliano Fittipaldi, journalist and author of “Avarice.”
Education too selective, elitist, pope says
VATICAN CITY – The educational alliance among families, schools and states is broken, causing a serious situation that leads to selecting to educate only “supermen” chosen solely based on intelligence or wealth, Pope Francis Pope Francis said. “Behind this, there is always the ghost of money – always,” he said. Education has become “too selective and elitist. It seems that only those people or persons who are at a certain level or have a certain capacity have the right to an education.” The pope held an impromptu question-and-answer session Nov. 21 during an audience with more than 2,000 participants in a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Christian Education and the 25th anniversary of “Ex Corde Ecclesiae,” St. John Paul II’s apostolic constitution on Catholic universities.
If miracle approved, Blessed Teresa could be canonized Sept. 4
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican calendar for the Year of Mercy deliberately set aside Sept. 4, 2016, as a possible date for the canonization of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, if her sainthood cause is concluded by then. The canonization would be celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the end of a three-day pilgrimage of people who, like Blessed Teresa was, are engaged in corporal works of mercy. “Sept. 4 is a hypothesis or plan within the calendar for the jubilee year,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told Catholic News Service Nov. 19. The Italian news agency AGI reported Nov. 18 that a panel of physicians convoked by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes agreed there was no medical or natural explanation for the recovery of a Brazilian man suffering from multiple brain tumors. His healing after prayers for the intercession of Blessed Teresa was submitted as the miracle needed for her canonization.
pope said in a written speech handed to the bishops Nov. 20. The bishops were ending their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican to report on what is happening in their dioceses. “Where in the ‘60s almost every faithful everywhere attended Mass every Sunday, today it frequently is less than 10 percent,” the pope said, adding that people approach the sacraments less often and vocations are down. The bishops and other Catholics must “overcome the resignation that paralyzes” and must undertake a “pastoral conversion” modeled on the Gospel and not on “the relics of the bygone ‘good old days.’”
Palliative care home in Quebec to offer assisted suicide
MONTREAL – Quebec’s new end-
Proclaim Gospel, worry less about structures, pope tells German bishops
VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church in Germany has strong institutions that contribute much to society and are extremely generous internationally, but Christianity must be more about proclaiming faith and less about maintaining impressive institutions, Pope Francis told the country’s bishops. “One can truly speak of an erosion of the Catholic faith in Germany,” the
For more than 16 years
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Bishop Pope names head McElroy to ese dioc San Diego FRANCISCO,
SERVING SAN
VALERIE SCHMALZ
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AuxSan Francisco the has appointed 61, to head a see McElroy, Pope Francis Robert W. of San Diego, filling the with iliary Bishop Diocese r. dly vacant in Septembe left unexpecte its ordinary p Salvadeath of Archbisho San Francisco e congratulated ent tore J. Cordileon on the appointm his auxiliarybishop of San Diego, as the sixthannounced in Washp Carlo Maria which was Archbisho the ington by nuncio to Vigano, apostolic Bishop McElroy United States. as a major menal border unique position presents “San Diego’s by an internatio separated metropolis, Tijuana, Archtropolis ities,” major s proven s and opportun from another McElroy’ e challenge distinctiv and margine said. “Bishop to the poor d and bishop Cordileon of outreach to understanserve will track record with his ability ies involved,of the Diocese alized, along the complexit articulate responding to Catholics in him well 5 MCELROY, PAGE SEE BISHOP
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CATHOLIC SAN
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Villaseñor Norberta religiosa, La hermana su vocación Dios y la Virgen encontró de su renegar de cuando al la inesperada muertede su María, por los 22 años, el padre le a hermano en Michoacán, México, parroquia manos una Biblia. puso en susen la sacristía, leyendo de Job. Al “Me dejó 42 del Libro vida era el versículo cuenta que ni mi Dios. Y di de leerlo me yo era un regalo quería ser propia, que decidí que mi vida cambió, recuerda. la memoria religiosa”, fresco en iba a Y aún tiene a sus padres que dijo apoyaron cuando les vida religiosa. “Me dijo vas me entrar a la ente. Y mi mamá nunca que completam esposo muy fiel, un . a tener a ”, rememora Norberta te va traicionar la hermana finales en En 1989, la nas hizo sus votos Villaseñor hermanas Francisca las “Mi mayor orden de y Caridad. ha sido servir o. de la Penitencia estos años pasión todos Dios”, dice con entusiasm de la Iglesia al pueblo varios años, Desde hace PÁGINA 3 VER VOCACIONES,
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a is forming from J. Cordileone teachers p Salvatore of theologyhigh schools to Archbisho committee an Be“Affirm and the four archdioces clarify the take effect in Auexpand and set to handbook, lieve” statements schools’ faculty gust in the Feb. 24 letter to teachers. da a he said in will recommen what is The committee “while retaining statedraft, which, expands on these to make language already there, dadjusts the understan Archbishop ments and more readilyalso leave to Cordileone the statements “I will ,” he wrote. wider context readership the proper doctrine.” of able to a wider how to include d these points their discretion understan to within which on Page 2. full letter Read the
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“my millionwife Alice -cent calls his Ron Thiesenfound at the five-and-ten Alice still wedding I dollar baby 45 years after their flirted like mad she store,” and she recalls that he was on his way thought laughs when because shecollege. heck – but with Ron back to what the I figured out of town, out that Ronin leaving so ng “He was Alice. It turned of Engineerithe left,” said he never Heald’s College away from was attending , just a few miles Alice worked. San Francisco Woolworth’s wherethree children including begun for the Corte Madera thus of a lifetime, The love dren, was in Novato. Loretto grandchil of Lady annual and four ers of Our San Francisco’s parishion se of The Archdioce PAGE 15 SEE MARRIAGE,
FRANCISCO
an burned inside palm leaves Ash Wednesduring an Embers of Church in conch shell oversized at St. Mary Magdalene Dominican day retreat scarcely cooled when faithful presthe fire” at Bolinas had Gibson crossed to “be the Father Brunoash, urging them run ent with the always. like a movie Lent, and of Lent, it’s we end with “In this season with ashes, 18. Easter We start on Feb. fire backward: and that Father Gibson fire,” said the lighting of fire he said, when starts with builds until Pentecost, upon the is unleashed fire.” builds and to be the spirit of Jesus the loving earth. “We are created Mass and with face of the retreat started by the sacraThe half-day of ashes followed talks by Father the imposition ion and two of silent . were periods ment of reconciliat between historic graveyard and Gibson. In meditation in the soup supper prayer and a standing of the church just with doors It ended outside the fellowship 14 SEE LENT, PAGE
Mary Magdalene retreat at St. Bolinas Lagoon. overlooking Ash Wednesday attended an the historic churchyard A woman who strolls in SAN FRANCISCO) Church in Bolinas GRAY/CATHOLIC
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Pope highlights impact pollution has on human health
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis encouraged greater attention to those whose health is affected by environmental degradation and pollution. He said he meets so many sick people, especially children, during his weekly general audience or on a parish visit, who are afflicted with a rare disease that doctors can’t explain. “These rare diseases are the consequences of the illnesses we inflict on the environment. This is serious,” he said Nov. 19. The pope was speaking to hundreds of scientists, health care professionals, theologians, diplomats and other experts taking part in an international conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry.
of-life care law will go into effect in December, and at least one of its 31 palliative care facilities, La Maison Aube-Lumiere in Sherbrooke, announced that it will be offering medically induced death, or assisted suicide only in “exceptional situations and as a last resort.” Sherbrooke Archbishop Luc Cyr said he was “troubled” by AubeLumiere’s decision. “When the patient’s sufferings are soothed through proper medical care, endof-life can be an outstanding opportunity to step back, to reflect on the meaning of life and to deepen our faith. Fear and anxiety about one’s eventual death thus becomes less acute,” he said.
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12 from the front
Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Homelessness: Pastoral leaders discuss church response to crisis FROM PAGE 1
‘… I pray today that we energize our work together and increase our numbers in service within the archdiocese.’
The Archdiocese of San Francisco’s office of public policy and social concerns, with support and leadership from Bishop Justice, coordinated the two-hour meeting and invited Friedenbach to share the historical and statistical landscape of homelessness in San Francisco. Freidenbach said that her agency works hard to refute the notion that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. “It’s most often the result of extreme poverty,” she said. San Francisco’s average rent far exceeds a service-sector employee’s paycheck and is 3.5 times the amount of a public assistance check. Low-income families are being unlawfully evicted so landlords can collect a higher rent, she said. Currently, 8,000 households are on a waiting list for subsidized housing.
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Archbishop salvatore cordileone Other panel members included Emily Cohen of Project Homeless Connect; Nella Goncalves of Housing Support Services at Catholic Charities; and Margi English of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The meeting coincided with the Pope Francis-proclaimed Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, unable to attend the meeting because of a meeting with U.S. bishops in Maryland, sent a message that was read aloud to the group of 50 or so participants. “… I pray today that we energize
our work together and increase our numbers in service within the archdiocese,” he said. The archbishop recalled the pope’s words after visiting a homeless shelter early in his papacy: “To love God and neighbor is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete; it means seeing in every person the face of the Lord to be served, to serve him concretely.” Statistics provided by the Coalition for Homeless state that the life expectancy of a homeless person is 20 years fewer than their housed counterpart. “It’s almost impossible for a homeless person to remain healthy and
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thrive as a human being,” said Friedenbach. She said the church’s teachings on the dignity of the human person could be emphasized and extended to the homeless more in local parishes. “Your parishioners are craving information on this issue and we encourage you to incorporate this into your homilies,” she said. “This is a defining moment for San Francisco, this disparity of poverty and wealth,” said Deacon Rory Desmond of St. Stephen Parish in San Francisco, during a discussion after the panelists’ presentations. “I think the Catholic Church is called to that response.” Bishop Justice said that discussions will continue with pastors in local deaneries with the goal of creating an archdiocese-wide homeless response plan.
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from the front 13
Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Pope: Open mercy’s doors, counter violence
Pope: Protect environment or destroy it
FROM PAGE 1
Marking the first Sunday of Advent at the Mass with priests, religious, catechists and youths, Pope Francis urged the Catholic community to be committed to helping the country make a new start. Christians, and especially those with a vocation to priesthood or religious life, are called to love their enemies, “which protects us from the temptation to seek revenge and from the spiral of endless retaliation,” the pope said in his homily. Anyone who has a role of evangelizer, teacher or preacher in the Christian community, he said, must be “first and foremost practitioners of forgiveness, specialists in reconciliation, experts in mercy.” “God is stronger than all else,” the pope said. “This conviction gives the believer serenity, courage and the strength to persevere in good amid the greatest hardships.” “To all those who make unjust use of the weapons of this world, I make this appeal: Lay down these instruments of death! Arm yourselves instead with righteousness, with love and mercy, the authentic guarantors of peace,” the pope said. Pope Francis arrived at the cathedral after a meeting with representatives of the Central African Republic’s evangelical and Protestant communities. The pope publicly expressed “closeness and solidarity to Rev. Nicolas Guerekoyame-Gbangou, president of the Evangelical Alliance of the Central African Republic, whose home was recently ransacked and set on fire, as was the meeting-place of his community. In these difficult circumstances, the Lord keeps asking us to demonstrate to everyone his tenderness, compassion and mercy.” For too long, too many Central Africans have been suffering, the pope said. “There are also those who have been scarred in soul or body by hatred and violence, those whom war has
(CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Pope Francis opens the Holy Door at the start of a Mass at the cathedral in Bangui, Central African Republic, Nov. 29.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The international community is facing a stark and serious choice, “either to improve or to destroy the environment,” Pope Francis said, referring to the Paris Climate Conference Nov. 30-Dec. 11. “It would be sad, and I dare say even catastrophic, were special interests to prevail over the common good,” the pope said Nov. 26 during a visit to the headquarters in Nairobi of the U.N. Environment Program and U.N. Habitat. The pope spoke at length about the importance of the conference, and his top aides had a meeting the evening before with Kenya’s environment minister and other officials to discuss their hopes and strategies for the Paris meeting. Pope Francis called for “the adoption of a culture of care – care for oneself, care for others, care for the environment – in the place of a culture of waste, a throwaway culture where people use and discard themselves, others and the environment.” The idea of a “throwaway culture” is not simply a strong figure of speech, he said, pointing to “new forms of slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, prostitution and trafficking in organs.” Catholic News Service
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14 opinion
Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Understanding Mary’s Immaculate Conception
A
t the beginning of the liturgical year we honor the immaculately conceived Virgin Mary. The solemnity of Mary’s Immaculate Conception is celebrated on Dec. 8, and honors the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without original sin. In 2008 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin’s apparitions at Lourdes, where she identified herself to St. Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception. In 2004 we observed the 150th anniverbrother john sary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s solemn definition of m. samaha, sm this dogma on Dec. 8, 1854. Blessed Pius IX explained that Mary was preserved from original sin by a “singular grace and privilege” given her by God “in view of the merits of Jesus Christ,” redeemer of the human race. Mary, like every other human being, needed the redemptive benefits of Christ. But in anticipation of what God did for all through Christ, she alone was preserved from original sin “from the first moment of her conception.” As one writer asserted, hers was a “redemption by exemption.” By her Immaculate Conception she was conceived in the fullness of grace, in the state of closest possible union with God in view of her future role as the mother of the redeemer. The feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was celebrated already in the seventh century in Palestine as the Conception by St. Anne of the Theotokos (Mother of God) on Dec. 9. The doctrine is understood differently by some Eastern Christian Churches because of a variance in their theological understanding of original sin. The observance spread west still called the Conception of St. Anne and observed on Dec. 8.
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La Purísima Inmaculada Concepción by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1678, now in Museo del Prado, Spain. When the feast was introduced in France, St. Bernard of Clairvaux opposed it, igniting a controversy that endured for three centuries. Most scholastic theologians, including St. Anselm of Canterbury, St. Albert the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Bonaventure opposed the doctrine on the grounds that it detracted from the universality of the redemption by Christ. But
it was defended and explained with theological clarity in the 13th century by Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan. In 1263 the Franciscans adopted the feast. The opponents of this feast and doctrine had argued that Mary had to be touched by original sin for at least an instant, even though she was sanctified in her mother’s womb. John Duns Scotus resolved these objections by explaining that Christ can save and redeem in two ways: He can rescue from sin those already fallen; or he can preserve one from being touched by sin even for an instant. Mary was granted “redemption by exemption.” The Council of Basel in 1439 affirmed this belief. Ten years later the Sorbonne in Paris required all its degree candidates to pledge an oath to defend the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Pope Sixtus IV in 1476 approved the feast with its proper Mass and office, and in 1708 Pope Clement IX extended the feast to the universal church and made it a holy day of obligation. Later the Council of Trent (1545-1563) explicitly declared that Mary was exempt from the taint of original sin. From then on the belief was embraced generally and defended by all schools of theology. Many Catholic thinkers and founders of the 18th and 19th centuries promoted and expounded Mary’s Immaculate Conception with special interest and verve, and this doctrine became an important part of Marian spirituality. One such exponent was Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850), founder of the Marianists. At the First Council of Baltimore in 1846 the Catholic bishops of the United States of America chose Mary under the title of her Immaculate Conception as the patron saint of the nation. This deepened interest in the vast new country. “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.” Marianist Brother john Samaha lives in Cupertino.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters
his is not a good time to be a Muslim in the Western world. As the violence perpetrated by radical Islamic groups such as ISIS, al-Qaida and Boko Haram becomes more and more prevalent, huge numbers of people are becoming paranoid about and even openly hostile toward the Islam religion, seeing all Muslims as a threat. Popular opinion more and more blames the Muslim religion itself for that violence, suggesting that there is something inherent in Islam itself that’s responsible for this kind of violence. That equaFATHER ron tion needs to be challenged, rolheiser both in the name of truth and in the name of what’s best in us as Christians. First of all, it’s untrue: Painting all Muslims with the same brush is like painting all Christians with the same brush, akin to looking at most the depraved man who calls himself a Christian and saying: “That’s Christians for you! They’re all the same!” Second, it’s also unfair: Islamic militants no more speak for Islam than Hitler speaks for Christianity (and that comparison isn’t idly chosen). Finally, such an equation misleads our sympathy: The first victim of Islamic terrorism is Islam itself, namely, authentic God-fearing Muslims are the first victims of this violence. When we look at the history of any terrorist Islamic group such as ISIS or al-Qaida , we see that it first establishes itself by terrorizing and killing thousands of its own people, honest, God-fearing Muslims. And it goes on killing them. ISIS, alQaida , and Boko Haram have killed thousands more Muslims than they have killed Christians or persons of any other religion. While their ultimate target may well be the secularized, Christian West, but more immediately their real war is against true Islam.
We owe Islam the same judgment. One of the great students of world religions, the renowned Houston Smith, submits that we should always judge a religion by its best expressions, by its saints and graced history rather than by its psychopaths and aberrations. Moreover the victims of Islamic terrorists are not just the thousands of moderate Muslims who have been direct victims of their violence and killings, but also all other Muslims who are now painted with the same brush and negatively judged in both their religiosity and their sincerity. Whenever Islamic terrorists perpetrate an act of violence, its victims are not just those who die, are injured, or who lose loved ones, it’s also all true Muslims, particularly those living in the West because they are now viewed through the eyes of suspicion, fear, and hatred. But the Muslim religion is not to blame here. There is nothing inherent in either the Koran or in Islam itself that morally or religiously undergirds this kind of violence. We would holler “unfair” if someone were to say that what happened during the Inquisition is inherent in the Gospels. We owe Islam the same judgment. One of the great students of world religions, the renowned Houston Smith, submits that we should always judge a religion by its best expressions, by its saints and graced history rather than by its psychopaths and aberrations. I hope that others offer us, Christians, this courtesy. Hitler was somehow a product of the Christian West, as was Mother Teresa. Houston Smith’s point is that the latter, not the former, is a truer basis for judging Christianity.
We owe our Islamic brothers and sisters the same courtesy. And that’s more a recognition of the truth than a courtesy. The word “Islam/Muslim” has its origins in the word “peace,” and that connotation, along with the concept of “surrender to God,” constitutes the essence of what it means to be a Muslim. And for more than 90 percent of Muslims in the world, that is exactly what it means to be a Muslim, namely, to be a man or woman of peace who has surrendered to God and who now tries to live a life that is centered on faith, prayer, responsibility, and hospitality. Any interpretation of Islam by a radicalized group that gives divine sanction to terrorist violence is false and belies Islam. Islamic extremists don’t speak for God, Mohammed, Islam, or for what it means to surrender in faith, but only for a self-serving ideology, and true Muslims are, in the end, the real victims of that. Terrorist attacks, like the recent ones in Paris and Mali, call for more, not less, sympathy for true Muslims. It’s time to establish a greater solidarity with Islam, notwithstanding extremist terrorism. We are both part of the same family: We have the same God, suffer the same anxieties, are subject to the same mortality, and will share the same heaven. Muslims more than ever need our understanding, sympathy, support and fellowship in faith. Christian de Cherge, the Trappist monk who was martyred by Islamic terrorists in Algeria in 1996, wrote a remarkable letter to his family in France shortly before he died. Well aware that he had a good chance of being killed by Islamic terrorists, he shared with his family that, should this happen, they should know that he had already forgiven his killers and that he foresaw himself and them, his killers, in the same heaven, playing together under God’s gaze, a gaze that lovingly takes in all of God’s children, Muslims no less than Christians. Oblate Father Rolheiser is president of the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas.
opinion 15
Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
No one should have no one at Christmas
E
ach year British retailer John Lewis creates a seasonal buzz with its creative, emotionally charged Christmas advertisements. This year the department store chain has teamed with Age UK, Great Britain’s largest charity for senior citizens, to raise funds and awareness of Sister the scourge constance of loneliness veit, lsp among the elderly today. The heartwrenching commercial depicts a young girl reaching out to an elderly “Man on the Moon” and ends with a simple yet haunting slogan: “No one should have no one at Christmas.” What does a British ad campaign have to do with us? When I saw the ad it struck me how much it is in sync with Pope Francis’ repeated appeals on behalf of the eldest members of our society. “It’s brutal to see how the elderly are thrown away,” he proclaimed earlier this year. “It is a brutal thing, it is a sin!” Pope Francis recounted a visit he paid to a retirement home one August. He met a woman who told him about her large family, and when he asked her about the last time her children had come to visit
she replied, at Christmas. “Eight months without being visited by her children – abandoned for eight months!” he exclaimed. “This is called mortal sin!” Our Holy Father issued a similar plea during the Festival of Families in Philadelphia earlier this year: “We have to care in a special way for children and for grandparents. … Taking care of grandparents and taking care of children is the sign of love – I’m not sure if it is the greatest, but for the family I would say that it is the most promising – because it promises the future. A people incapable of caring for children and caring for the elderly is a people without a future, because it lacks the strength and the memory needed to move forward.” Christmas is the perfect time to take our Holy Father’s urgings to heart. The holidays can be lonely and stressful for many people – even more so for the elderly who have limited mobility and limited resources, who have outlived their loved ones, or who have been virtually forgotten by children and grandchildren caught up in the material distractions that have come to define the Christmas season in our culture. The irony is that not only do the elderly deserve our attention and care, but spending time with them can enrich us even more than it does them. Pope Francis suggests that cultivating meaningful family relations is not as complicated as we might think. “Love is shown by little
things,” he said during his final homily in America. Such simple gestures “get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion .… Like a blessing before we go to bed, or a hug after we return from a hard day’s work. Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs which make us feel at home.” Age UK and other charities devoted to the elderly began reporting a significant upswing in donations and gestures of solidarity toward the elderly as soon as the John Lewis ad appeared on television and social media. If a secular ad campaign can inspire thousands of people in Great Britain to be more attentive to lonely seniors this Christmas, how much more should Pope Francis’ words and example during his visit to the United States motivate us to reach out to the elderly with our caring presence this Christmas and throughout the new year dedicated to mercy. Such familial love and solidarity would be a most beautiful and lasting fruit of Pope Francis’ first visit to our nation. Let’s make sure that no one has no one this Christmas! Sister Constance is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States.
The saint who became Santa Claus Jerry Costello The Christophers
You probably know that there’s a real-life “Jolly Old St. Nick” in our background, and that he’s got a feast day in the church (Dec. 6) along with the rest of the saints. The odds are, though, that you don’t know that much more about St. Nicholas. If that’s the case, and if you’d like to know a little more about him, a book by an American historian might clear up some of the mystery. It’s called “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra.” It’s written by Adam C. English and published by Baylor University Press – and expounded on by English in an interview that appeared in The Catholic Spirit of St. Paul-Minneapolis. In the book, the author explains what we know (and what we can infer) about St. Nicholas, and why he deserves our attention still today for the examples his life provides of Christian charity and justice. First of all, St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra, a diocese in what is now Turkey. He was born at some time in the third century (various sources list the date as 270, although English says only that it was “sometime after the year 260”), when Christianity was still a struggling religion. At the time of his death, in 343, the faith was well established. One of the reasons for that was the Council of Nicea (325), which ruled on many important matters – including the Aryan heresy, which erroneously taught that Christ did not share in God’s divinity. Nicholas would have attended the council as a bishop, and
St. Nicholas while his own contributions are lost in the mists of history, his followers began to recall things after his death that cemented his reputation for justice and charity. An early story that circulated about St. Nicholas was that he saved three innocent men from beheading, illustrating the side of him that was, in author English’s words, “very much the lawyer, the social activist, the person that was not afraid to get his hands dirty and get in the mix of things and defend those who needed defending.” The association of the modern-day Santa Claus as someone who draws up a list of “who’s been naughty and nice” may be a residue of this virtue, English believes. “It was very much in Nicholas,” he declares, “this very deep concern for justice.”
Another story about St. Nicholas, one that lingers, concerns his giftgiving, centered on the concept of the dowry – the amount of money or property that a bride brought to her husband. Nicholas gave money to three destitute maidens for them to use as dowry, the story goes, tossing their gifts anonymously through their windows at night. This “grabbed the attention of people at the time,” English says, serving as a model of Christian charity. English says he became interested in the Nicholas of history as a way of reconciling him with the Santa Claus of myth – and their role in the birth of our Savior. “He doesn’t leave us sermons or theological tracts or legislation. He leaves us a witness, a model,” the author says. “And I think that’s what people need.” He summed up in a sentence what he learned about Nicholas of Myra: “Here’s what Jesus would do, here’s what Christian charity demands – that’s what captures people’s heart and imagination.” The Christophers, founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, encourage people of all ages, and from all walks of life, to use their God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world. The mission is best expressed in The Christophers’ motto: “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” For a free copy of the Christopher News Note “Opening Yourself to God’s Grace,” write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004; or email: mail@ christophers.org.
Letters Papal politics and climate change
Pope Francis is quoted saying, “A very solid scientific consensus indicates we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system.” The trouble with this statement is science does not operate on consensus. It is or it isn’t. The earth is round or it isn’t. There is a gravitational field around earth or there isn’t. Scientists continually try to prove a condition and when they do so and never obtain a different result that condition becomes fact. Because it cannot be disproved. But Francis is not a scientist. He is a political activist who has been fed faulty information and quasi-facts that confirm in the minds of him and other gullible quislings the environmental dogma which permeates Western society. If human activity can alter climate then it must follow man had something to do with the creation of our solar system, our planet, the universe! If Francis wishes to undertake elaborating on this point he might connect for us mortals how God fits into the scheme of things. The paradox is fascinating. The contradiction that a pope believes man can affect what God has created might result in a profound decrease in the collection basket. Francis may do better rendering to God what is God’s and to science what is factually provable. Ed Binetti Daly City
No excuses on sex abuse
I have not seen the movie “Spotlight” yet. Since it is a Hollywood movie, I would expect that it got some things right and some things wrong. Mr. Clifford (Letters, Nov. 12) seems to be taking another stance when he blames the media during the Catholic priest sex abuse scandal. That the media was slow to report on the abuse scandal is a separate issue. That it failed to report on abuse at public schools is still another issue. The Catholic hierarchy bears full responsibility (with or without media coverage) when it continually transferred priests from parish to parish after it was discovered that those priests had abused children. It cannot make excuses for itself. The first bishop or cardinal who moved a priest to a new parish to cover up the scandal betrayed the families of both parishes who trusted the church to take good care of their children in Catholic schools. We can point our fingers all we want (as Mr. Clifford does) at other occurrences of child sexual abuse outside of Catholic schools. However, this will not diminish the abuse that took place inside Catholic parishes. Blaming anyone else and especially the media for the child abuse by Catholic priests is merely a smokescreen. Richard Morasci San Francisco
Letters policy Email letters.csf@sfarchdiocese.org write Letters to the Editor, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109 Name, address and daytime phone number for verification required. SHORT letters preferred: 250 words or fewer
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
Sunday readings
Second Sunday of Advent ‘Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ LUKE 3:1-6 BARUCH 5:1-9 Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever: wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the miter that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor: You will be named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship. Up, Jerusalem! Stand upon the heights; look to the east and see your children gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that they are remembered by God. Led away on foot by their enemies they left you: but God will bring them back to you borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones. For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God. The forests and every fragrant kind of tree have overshadowed Israel at God’s command; for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company. PSALM 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. PHILIPPIANS 1:4-6, 8-11 Brothers and sisters: I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. God is my witness, how I long
for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. LUKE 3:1-6 In the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
God’s faithfulness stays through all our missteps
I
t is rare to hear anything from Baruch’s short six chapters, but for this Sunday’s readings we get an interesting excerpt. Echoing Isaiah 55-66, Baruch carefully traces Israel’s infidelity, and the curses and promises associated with the covenant throughout his short treatise. According to the minor prophet, their unfaithfulness stems from idol worship and neglecting the commandments. In one of Hans Urs Von Balthasar’s theological exegeses on scripture, called “Glory of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetics,” he traces the theme of glory throughout the Old Testament. Von Balthasar defines the Hebrew word “kabod” to illustrate what he means by glory - “resister maria splendent and thus appearing catherine, op [as]’weightiness’ or might of being.” In this statement, he captures the transcendent, incorporeal sense of God’s nature. Despite the fact that God is unknowable in his essence, this definition also describes the density of his greatness and authority. Surprisingly, glory (kabod) is mentioned eight
scripture reflection
times in Baruch. Six of those eight times occur in Chapter 5, from this weekend’s Mass readings. The minor prophet is describing the contrast between the people’s suffering from disobedience with the clarity and splendor of returning to their commitment to God. Watch for this as you read it. Von Balthasar connects the Lord’s revelation of his glory with his covenant with the chosen people of Israel. The Hebrew word “berith,” or covenant, denotes more than just a juridical agreement between two parties, he says. Von Balthasar claims that the covenant relationship the Israelites enjoy with God is unique. Because God’s essence is completely beyond a finite creature’s understanding, there is no basis for an agreement governing exchanges between two equal parties; no such commonality exists. His “weightiness or might of being” wants to possess the Israelites as a people, personally and juridically. Consequently, this “berith” has deeper rewards (“a place of breadth and freedom in God”) and deeper consequences (“crushing servitude”) for the Israelites. Israel’s obligation is to respond in love and obedience to the commandments that God gives. Period. The Jews’ history demonstrates both his glory and his faithfulness to the covenant. How beautiful that God who is so unfathomable pursues each of us to reveal this glory to us personally. His glory, his being, is what heals the breach of the Hebrews’ (and our) unfaithfulness. God heals them with this very
self, and promises his glory, his very self, to them. It’s striking that the Israelites respond immediately to the Lord’s call to return to him, “rejoicing that they are remembered by God.” His covenant pledges his trustworthiness that he will “order that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low... so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God.” His tenderness and care for the Israelites, expose his faithfulness even amidst their infidelity. Another way God manifests his “weightiness or might of being” is by drawing them all together. When the Israelites went astray worshipping other gods and abandoning the commandments, their punishment is a double humiliation: They are conquered by barbarian nations and separated from one another. Now the prophet promises, “God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne.” What does this mean in the light of Christ? Luke’s gospel answers this question. That once, “every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low,” Christ will gather us around the manger to heal us with himself and to ready us for glory; his and ours. Sister Maria Catherine, OP, is a perpetually professed member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. She is fresh from teaching high school English in San Francisco, and is pursuing her master’s in theology at Ave Maria University in Florida.
Liturgical calendar, daily Mass readings
Pope Francis ‘same old sinners’
At St. Mary School in Nairobi Nov. 27, the pope addressed clergy, religious and seminarians of Kenya. “Jesus is the one who calls,” he said. … He does not ‘canonize’ us. We continue to be the same old sinners. … But Jesus’ tenderness and love keep us going. … Do you remember any time in the Gospel, when the apostles wept? Only one wept, the Gospel tells us; he who knew he was a sinner, so great a sinner that he betrayed his Lord. And when he realized this, he wept.”
Monday, December 7: Memorial of St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor. Is 35:1-10. PS 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14. Lk 5:17-26.
Thursday, December 10: Thursday of the Second Week of Advent. Is 41:13-20. PS 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab. See Is 45:8. Mt 11:11-15.
Tuesday, December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gn 3:9-15, 20. PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4. Eph 1:3-6, 11-12. See Lk 1:28. Lk 1:26-38.
Friday, December 11: Friday of the Second Week of Advent. Optional Memorial of St. Damasus I, pope. Is 48:17-19. PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6. Mt 11:16-19.
Wednesday, December 9: Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent. Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Is 40:25-31. PS 103:12, 3-4, 8 and 10. Mt 11:28-30.
Saturday, December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab. Judith 13:18bcde, 19. Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47.
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO
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help wanted FULL-TIME MUSIC DIRECTOR WANTED Saint Raphael Catholic Church in San Rafael, California is seeking a full-time Music Director. The Music Director engages the assembly and enhances church services with a great music program. The position requires a talented and creative person, proficient in organ, piano, voice, and voice directing and has a broad knowledge of Catholic liturgy and music. Salary is commensurate with experience and education and is in accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines. English/Spanish bilingual preferred; will work with English-speaking and Hispanic choirs.
caregivers available Caregivers in San Francisco Licensed CNAs Available 10+ Years Experience Caring & Reliable Flexible Scheduling
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Music Director Search, 1104 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 or email frloi@saintraphael.com.
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Spread the good news through a Catholic San Francisco gift subscription – perfect for students and retirees and others who have moved outside the archdiocese. $24 a year within California, $36 out of state. Catholics in the archdiocese must register with their parish to receive a regular, free subscription. Email circulation.csf@ sfarchdiocese.org or call (415) 614-5639.
Parish Secretary/Receptionist Part-time position (minimum of 3 days per week)
Strong computer and interpersonal skills required. Resume should be sent to the attention of Matthew Shea (Pastoral Associate) at the address below or via email to mattshea@sgparish.org. Resumes should be received by December 15th.
St. Gabriel Parish
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
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(Courtesy photo) (Courtesy photo)
Around the archdiocese St. Thomas the Apostle School, San Francisco: The school performed the all-school musical “The Zoo Show” Nov. 18.
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St. Anne of the Sunset School, San Francisco: Fifth and second graders spearheaded the school’s canned food drive. Students collected more than 2,100 canned food items for the needy. Former parent Bill Cirigoli and current parent Adam La brought their vehicles to pick up and deliver the canned food to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
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St. Robert School, San Bruno: Seventh graders held a book drive for St. Vincent de Paul Society. “We had over 9,000 books donated (9,005 exactly!),” seventh grade/junior high English teacher
Melissa McNichol told Catholic San Francisco. “The photo shows the students who worked so hard to count and load the SVdP truck. We are extremely proud of how many books were donated!”
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St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room, Menlo Park: Archbishop Cordileone volunteered at the Thanksgiving meal service Nov. 26. The dining room serves hot meals to all year-round and its Clothing Distribution Center provides the basic apparel needs of women, children and men two days per week.
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Our Lady of Mercy parish, daly city: Worshippers packed the 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass. Shown here are parishioners bringing bags of groceries to the altar for those in need.
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
SATURDAY, DEC. 5 PEACE MASS: Mission Dolores Basilica, 16th Street at Dolores, San Francisco, Father Francis Garbo, pastor, principal celebrant and homilist; (650) 580-7123; zoniafasquelle@gmail.com. PARISH NIGHT: St. Anne of the Sunset Parish, 850 Judah St at Funston, San Francisco, dinner, dancing, $40 adults, $20 children, parking in church lot, 5-11 p.m., www.stanne-sf.org; Bernadette Hyson rbbsfo@comcast.net; Mary Yim (415) 518-3290. ‘LOOKING EAST’: Lecture on Eastern Catholicism, 1 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima Russian Byzantine Catholic Church, 5920 Geary Blvd. at 23rd Avenue, San Francisco, (415) 752-2052; www.ByzantineCatholic.org.
Eighth Avenue, San Francisco, 8:30 a.m., English/Spanish bilingual Mass and procession with mariachi music then free Mexican, Filipino and American brunch cuisine, (415) 751-0450; facebook.com/starparishsf.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 SIMBANG GABI: Commissioning and opening rites of Advent prayer event, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, Archbishop Archbishop Cordileone Salvatore Cordileone, principal celebrant, reception follows; Deacon Ven Garcia has entire Simbang Gabi schedule, vengarcia@yahoo.com.
SUNDAY, DEC. 13 YEAR OF MERCY: Opening of the Holy Doors, 3 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, with vespers, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, presides, St. Patrick’s Seminary choir will lead song. PRO-LIFE WALK: San Mateo pro-life rosary procession beneath Our Lady’s banner 2 p.m. from St. Matthew Parish, El Camino Real and Ninth Avenue, to Planned Parenthood. 35 Baywood Ave. and back, about 1.5 miles, rain or shine, (650) 572-1468; themunns@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12
SUNDAY, DEC. 6 CONCERT: St Bartholomew Parish choirs Christmas Concert with orchestra, 3 p.m., freewill donations appreciated, corner of Alameda de las Pulgas and Crystal Springs Road, San Mateo. ORNAMENT EXCHANGE: Holy Name Parish, Flanagan Center, Lawton at 39th Avenue, San Francisco, noon, bring ornament to exchange, $35 ticket includes lunch with wine, layette accessories accepted for Alpha Pregnancy Center, Chris (415) 648-4522, Margaret (415) 334-7212.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8 MARY: Social Service Sister Celeste Arbuckle presents “Mary, Mother of Light,” 7:30 p.m., St. Anselm Church, Shady Lane and Bolinas, Ross, modear3@comcast.net.
OPEN DOORS ON YEAR OF MERCY: To begin the Year of Mercy as designated by Pope Francis, the Sisters of Mercy will initiate “Opening Doors of Mercy” at 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow. All are welcome. Please RSVP for this free event, at www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-doorsof-mercy-tickets-19304053945. CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE: Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, All Saints Mausoleum Chapel, 11 a.m., Msgr. John Talesfore, pastor, St. Matthew parish, San Mateo, presides, (650) 7562060, www.holycrosscemeteries.com. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: Mass, mariachi music and free reception featuring chicken entrée with beverages for purchase honoring the feast, 4 p.m., St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 38th Avenue and Balboa, San Francisco.
ADVENT: St. Patrick Parish, King and Magnolia streets, Larkspur, 4 p.m., with scripture, choir songs and congregational singalong, freewill donations accepted, reception follows, (415) 924-0600.
TUESDAY, DEC. 15 ADVENT TALK: Divine Word Father Stephen Bevans on “The Thirsts of the Human Spirit,” 7 p.m., Dominican Sisters Center, 1520 Grand Ave., San Rafael, RSVP CommunityRelations@ sanrafaelop.org; (415) 453-8303.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19 HANDICAPABLES MASS: Mass at noon followed by lunch in lower halls of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, Gough
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SUNDAY, DEC. 20 CONCERT: Choral Singers of Marin, Veterans Memorial Auditorium,10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 4 p.m., tickets begin at $20, (415) 473-6800. CONCERT: Mission Dolores Basilica Choir Candlelight Christmas Concert, Mission Dolores, 16th and Dolores, San Francisco, 5 p.m., free parking, $25 reserved, $18 general admission, (415) 621-8203; www.missiondolores.org.
PEACE MASS: Immaculate Conception Chapel, 3255 Folsom at Cesar Chavez, San Francisco, 9 a.m., Franciscan Father Guglielmo Lauriola, retired pastor, principal celebrant and homilist; (650) 580-7123; zoniafasquelle@gmail.com.
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to Advertise in catholic San FrancIsco Visit www.catholic-sf.org | call (415) 614-5642 email advertising.csf@sfarchdiocese.org
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PORZIUNCOLA ROSARY: Knights of St. Francis Holy Rosary Sodality, Saturdays, 2:30 p.m., Porziuncola Nuova, Vallejo Street at Columbus Avenue, San Francisco. Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m. All welcome; www. knightsofsaintfrancis.com.
SATURDAY, JAN. 2
OUR LADY GUADALUPE: Star of the Sea Church, 4420 Geary Blvd. at
U B financialP advisor
Street entrance. All disabled people and their caregivers are invited. Volunteers are always welcome, Joanne Borodin, (415) 239-4865; www.Handicapables.com.
❖ 30 years experience with individuals, couples and groups ❖ Directed, effective and results-oriented ❖ Compassionate and Intuitive ❖ Supports 12-step ❖ Enneagram Personality Transformation ❖ Free Counseling for Iraqi/ Afghanistani Vets
Lila Caffery, MA, CCHT San Francisco: 415.337.9474 Complimentary phone consultation
www.InnerChildHealing.com “The most compassionate care in town” 1655 Old Mission Road #3 415-573-5141 Colma, SSF, CA 94080
(415) 921-1619 • Insurance Accepted 1537 Franklin Street • San Francisco, CA 94109
salon v Children, Men Women (by: Henry)
Hair Care Services: Clipper Cut - Scissor Cut Highlight Hair Treatment - Perm Waxing - Tinting - Roler Set
Sunday: 10:30 am - 3:30pm Appt. & Walk-Ins Welcome
1414 Sutter Street (Franklin St & Gough St) San Francisco, CA 94109 Tel: 415.972.9995
www.qlotussalon.com
or 650-993-8036 Complete CSF newspaper library online 415-573-5141 or 650-993-8036 A complete digital library of *Irish owned *Irish owned & operated & operated Catholic San Francisco is now online at *Serving from San Francisco to North San Mateo
*Serving from San Francisco to North San Mateo
Mon - Sat: 9:30 am - 5 pm
http://archives.catholic-sf.org/Olive/APA/SFArchdiocese/
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Catholic san francisco | December 3, 2015
We invite you to gather with us on Saturday, December 12th 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 griefs 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 decorated by Our Lady of Mercy School students and Scouts(Pack 347). You will be invited to place your ornament on our Memory Trees during the service. These Chistmas Trees represent the ongoing hope of life and will remain in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel from December 12th until January 7th. If you are unable to attend the service, please stop by the Cemetery Office to pick up an ornament and write your greetings. We will be happy to hang the ornament for you. There is always a staff member available in All Saints Mausoleum on weekends and holidays to assist you. They will also have memory tree ornaments available for your messages through December 31st.
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Santa Cruz Ave. @ Avy Ave., Menlo Park, CA 650-323-6375
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 650-756-2060
Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 415-479-9020
Tomales Catholic Cemetery 1400 Dillon Beach Road, Tomales, CA 415-479-9021
St. Anthony Cemetery Stage Road, Pescadero, CA 650-712-1675
Our Lady of the Pillar Cemetery Miramontes St., Half Moon Bay, CA 650-712-1679